Kathmandu, March 20 -- Russian Ambassador to Nepal Alexei Novikov on Wednesday said the Russian government is making efforts to secure the release of Nepalis held captive by Ukrainian forces.

During a call on Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun, Ambassador Novikov mentioned that efforts are underway to release the Nepalis through a potential prisoner swap agreement, according to Minister Pun's secretariat.

"We are endeavouring to secure the release of Nepalis, even if it entails the release of Ukrainian soldiers currently under Russian control," the secretariat quoted the ambassador as informing Minister Pun.

The exact number of Nepalis under the captivity of the Ukrainian army remains unknown. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreig...