From the Himalayas to the front lines of war

Due to the worsening economic situation in Nepal, many Nepalis are turning to the Russian army in search of steady income and the promise of citizenship. Instead of the promised safe positions, they are sent directly to the front lines - often without knowing anything about the war in Ukraine until they arrive. It is estimated that around 3,000 Nepalis have joined the Russian military so far, many of whom never return home. Recruitment is often carried out by smugglers who advertise their services on platforms like TikTok.

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Memorial for Binod Sunuwar, who left Nepal after being promised well-paid work in the Russian army and was later killed near Bakhmut, Ukraine.
Memorial for Binod Sunuwar, who left Nepal after being promised well-paid work in the Russian army and was later killed near Bakhmut, Ukraine.
Naramaya Sunuwar, mother of Binod, who was killed while fighting in Ukraine after being recruited to the Russian army.
Naramaya Sunuwar, mother of Binod, who was killed while fighting in Ukraine after being recruited to the Russian army.
Tek Bhadur Gurung shows a photo of his brother-in-law, Minraj Gurung, who was recruited to the Russian army and sent to the war in Ukraine.
Tek Bhadur Gurung shows a photo of his brother-in-law, Minraj Gurung, who was recruited to the Russian army and sent to the war in Ukraine.
Dawa Theeng, a former recruit who was injured near Bakhmut, shows wounds sustained during fighting after being sent to the front in Ukraine.
Dawa Theeng, a former recruit who was injured near Bakhmut, shows wounds sustained during fighting after being sent to the front in Ukraine.
Kritu Bhandari, an activist documenting the cases of Nepali recruits, meets with families who have lost contact with relatives sent to the war in Ukraine. She is seated in the center.
Kritu Bhandari, an activist documenting the cases of Nepali recruits, meets with families who have lost contact with relatives sent to the war in Ukraine. She is seated in the center.
Krishna, son of Binod Sunuwar, at home on the outskirts of Kathmandu. His father never returned from the war in Ukraine.
Krishna, son of Binod Sunuwar, at home on the outskirts of Kathmandu. His father never returned from the war in Ukraine.
Alisha, 5, plays a small keyboard instrument at home. Her father and brother were recruited to the Russian army and have not returned from the war in Ukraine.
Alisha, 5, plays a small keyboard instrument at home. Her father and brother were recruited to the Russian army and have not returned from the war in Ukraine.
Medals belonging to Dinesh Rai, a young Nepali athlete who was killed near Bakhmut after joining the Russian army. The Nepali flag displayed in mourning hangs inverted.
Medals belonging to Dinesh Rai, a young Nepali athlete who was killed near Bakhmut after joining the Russian army. The Nepali flag displayed in mourning hangs inverted.
Children spend their free time in Nuwakot district, Nepal.
Children spend their free time in Nuwakot district, Nepal.
View of the outskirts of Kathmandu, Nepal.
View of the outskirts of Kathmandu, Nepal.