• NEPALI POW IN UKRAINE
KATHMANDU, AUGUST 3
On September 14, 2024, Krishna Ghimire was getting ready to return home after spending almost 11 months in the Russian army. His contract was ending, many of his colleagues had left, and he was due to be officially discharged the very next day. Instead, he was captured by Ukrainian forces on 15 September 2024.
"Unfortunately, I was captured by the Ukrainian army just the day before," he said in an online interview.
The 49-year-old native of Kohalpur, Banke district, is now being held in a Ukrainian prisoner-of-war camp alongside detainees from 76 countries, facing an uncertain future that he insists should be in Moscow rather than Kathmandu.
"I am a Russian soldier, and I was caught as one," he stated in an interview. "I would like to get back to Russia first, receive the benefits available there, and only then possibly return to Nepal."
Ghimire's journey to the front lines began in 2023, spurred by personal family issues and a lack of economic opportunities in Nepal. While working in Dubai, he decided to travel to Russia on a tourist visa based on information he received from friends. He went to the Russian Embassy by himself to apply for military service, as he was already familiar with the recruitment process.
"It was my decision to travel to Russia, and I am currently in this situation as a result," he admitted. "There is no role for the government of Nepal."
Yet, Ghimire expressed visible frustration over what he perceives as indifference from his homeland. Noting that the facility houses prisoners from 76 countries, he remarked that the Nepali government 'doesn't appear to be very interested in its people.'
While direct phone calls are prohibited by camp rules, Ghimire sends and receives letters every three months through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
His thoughts are with his children in Nepal - a son in the XIIth grade and a daughter studying psychology at university - whom he has encouraged to focus on their education and make him proud.
Ghimire left a message for his family and children, telling them to live honestly and with dignity: "Work hard to finish your studies. I hope to get out of here soon; the Russian government is also working to do so. Happy days will soon return, and we will enjoy being together once more."
Despite his captivity, Ghimire stated that Russian authorities have provided ongoing assistance, sending clothing and supplies to the camp. He remains resigned to his situation, acknowledging that the war may continue, but holding out hope for a future prisoner swap that will return him to Russian soil. "I am fine," he said, regardless of the situation.