Foreign Minister Dr Deuba holds talks with Ukrainian counterpart, demands release of 7 Nepalis held by Ukrainian forces

March 18, Kathmandu: Foreign Minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba held a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue, an event organized by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi. The discussions focused on Nepal-Ukraine relations and various issues of mutual interest.

During the meeting, Minister Dr Deuba raised a pressing concern regarding seven Nepalis citizens currently held by Ukrainian military forces. She urged the Ukrainian government, through Minister Sybiha, to facilitate their release.

Minister Dr. Deuba clarified that Nepal has no policy permitting its citizens to enlist in the Russian military. However, it has come to light that these individuals were trafficked by human smugglers and forcibly recruited into the Russian army. The seven Nepalis, who were serving in the Russian forces, were subsequently captured as prisoners of war by the Ukrainian military.

Minister Dr. Deuba emphasized that the Nepalis government had received information indicating these citizens, hailing from remote regions of Nepal, were coerced into joining the Russian army. She formally requested their release, appealing to the Ukrainian Foreign Minister for support in resolving the matter.

In response, Minister Sybiha assured Dr Deuba that the release of the Nepalis citizens would be processed in accordance with legal procedures, expressing Ukraine’s commitment to addressing the issue.

The meeting also touched upon Nepal’s candidacy for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council for the term 2027-2029, with Dr Deuba seeking Ukraine’s support for Nepal’s bid.

In a significant development during the talks, both ministers signed an agreement granting visa-free travel to holders of diplomatic and official passports from Nepal and Ukraine, further strengthening bilateral ties.

The Raisina Dialogue, a prestigious global conference, provided the backdrop for this crucial interaction as both leaders addressed pressing bilateral and international matters.