Russian ambassador to Nepal Aleksei Novikov on Wednesday claimed that many Nepali nationals who reached Russia illegally to join its army are reluctant to return to their homeland.

The Russian envoy made the statement during a meeting with minister for finance Barshaman Pun, who urged the Russian government to facilitate the safe return of those Nepali nationals recruited in the Russian military forces.

During the meeting, Pun expressed concern over the reports of the recruitment of Nepali youths in the Russian Army without a bilateral agreement and requested the Russian government to facilitate the safe return of those Nepali youths recruited in the Russian military forces.

At least 19 Nepali youths have died while serving in the Russian Army.

Pun also drew the attention of Russia to create an enabling atmosphere for sending the bodies of those Nepalis killed in the war home, providing treatment facilities to the injured and compensation to the bereaved families. Responding to Pun’s call, the Russian ambassador clarified that Nepal government bears no responsibility for the recruitment of Nepalis in the Russian army.