Trapped in a War Zone: The Desperate Escape of Nepali Soldiers From the Russian Army
Krishna Bahadur Shahi, a 24-year-old civil engineer from Nepal, was lured to Russia with the promise of a lucrative job and a path to citizenship. However, he found himself thrust into the brutal reality of the war in Ukraine, fighting alongside Russian convicts and facing constant abuse. After witnessing the deaths of his friends and suffering a serious injury during combat, Mr. Shahi embarked on a perilous escape from the Russian army, highlighting the shadowy and exploitative network that traffics foreign fighters into the conflict.
Key Takeaways:
- Human Traffickers: Mr. Shahi’s story exposes the lucrative network of human traffickers operating in Nepal, who target impoverished individuals with false promises of lucrative jobs in Russia.
- Forced Recruitment: Many Nepali soldiers were misled about their roles in the war, finding themselves thrust into combat without the necessary training or preparation.
- Desertion: The article reveals the high risk and extreme measures undertaken by these soldiers to escape the Russian army, including bribing commanders, navigating treacherous terrain, and relying on the kindness of strangers.
- The Nepali Government’s Struggle: The Nepali government has been trying to shut down the pipeline of foreign fighters, but the Russian military continues to rely on this source of manpower.
- A Call for Action: The story serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the war in Ukraine and underscores the importance of international efforts to stop the recruitment and exploitation of foreign fighters.
A Promise Turned Nightmare:
Mr. Shahi, like many others, was lured by the promise of a $2,200 monthly salary and a path to Russian citizenship. He was told he would work as a guard at a base, not on the front lines. However, after a few weeks of basic training, he was sent into battle near Donetsk, Ukraine, a city occupied by Russian troops.
The Reality of the Frontline:
Mr. Shahi’s experience highlights the harsh reality of the war in Ukraine. He described being surrounded by Russian convicts, who constantly abused and mistreated the Nepalis. Fearful and confused, he felt trapped and desperate to escape. “I was a slave,” he said.
Escaping the War Zone:
Mr. Shahi’s escape was a testament to his resilience. He first attempted to flee with other Nepali deserters, only to be betrayed by the very traffickers who had promised to help them. After facing further danger and arrest, he was eventually shot and injured in a battle.
The Role of the Nepali Embassy:
The Nepali embassy in Moscow has played a crucial role in assisting escaped soldiers. They have helped over 110 Nepalis flee the war zone, including Mr. Shahi, providing temporary travel documents and safe passage. However, the embassy acknowledged that the Russian government has not responded to Nepal’s requests for the repatriation of its citizens.
A Global Issue:
The exploitation of foreign fighters in the war in Ukraine has raised concerns about the ethical implications of recruiting individuals from impoverished countries. This article provides a glimpse into the human cost of this conflict and the desperate measures individuals are taking to escape a war they did not sign up for.
The End of a Grueling Journey:
Mr. Shahi’s escape was a long and harrowing journey. After a car ride to the Nepali embassy in Moscow and a tense encounter with Russian border patrol at the airport, he finally boarded a plane to Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, en route to Nepal. His ordeal is a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of exposing and dismantling the networks that exploit vulnerable individuals for profit.
