Nepali Mercenary Regrets Joining Russia’s Army in Ukraine: A Tale of Desperation and Bloodshed
In a tale of desperation and bloodshed, Ramchandra Khadka, a 37-year-old Nepali mercenary, recently returned to Nepal after fighting on the front lines in the Russia-Ukraine war. Khadka, who had previously been a Maoist rebel in Nepal’s bloody civil war, shared his regret with CNN about his decision to join the Kremlin’s army as a foreign fighter.
Khadka’s journey to becoming a mercenary began after the end of Nepal’s Maoist war in the mid-1990s. Seeking new opportunities, he traveled to Afghanistan, where he was hired by a private military contractor to assist NATO forces. Having experienced the horrors of war firsthand, Khadka believed he had seen it all. However, with no job prospects in Nepal and facing financial difficulties, he made the fateful decision to join the Russian military for monetary gain.
“I didn’t join the Russian military for pleasure. I didn’t have any job opportunities in Nepal. But in hindsight, it wasn’t the right decision. We didn’t realize we would be sent to the front lines that quickly and how horrible the situation would be,” Khadka expressed.
Arriving in Moscow in September of last year, Khadka underwent a mere two weeks of training before being deployed to Bakhmut, a town in eastern Ukraine known for its intense clashes between Russian and Ukrainian forces. Armed with only a gun and a basic kit, Khadka found himself thrust into a brutal conflict.
Khadka is just one of an estimated 15,000 Nepali men who have joined the Russian military, enticed by a lucrative package offered by the Russian government. This package includes a minimum salary of $2,000 per month, expedited Russian passport acquisition, and a one-year contract. Additionally, the fighters are provided with a Russian bank account where their monthly salary is deposited. Some fighters claim to have received bonuses, with the amount increasing the longer they remain on the front lines. Reports suggest that some mercenaries were earning up to $4,000 per month. However, many fighters face challenges when it comes to accessing and withdrawing their earnings.
The allure of financial stability and the promise of a better future led many Nepali men, like Khadka, to make the difficult decision to join the Russian military. With limited job opportunities in Nepal, these individuals saw this opportunity as a means to support themselves and their families. However, the harsh reality of war and the dire conditions on the front lines have left many regretting their choice.
Khadka’s story serves as a stark reminder of the desperation faced by individuals in countries with limited economic prospects. It highlights the lengths people are willing to go to secure a livelihood, even if it means risking their lives in foreign conflicts. As conflicts continue to rage around the world, it is crucial to address the underlying issues that drive individuals to such extreme measures and find sustainable solutions that offer hope and stability.
The tale of Ramchandra Khadka is a testament to the human spirit and the lengths people will go to in search of a better life. It serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of war and the urgent need for global cooperation in creating a more equitable and peaceful world.