Kathmandu, Feb. 24 -- As the Russia-Ukraine war reaches its fourth year, at least 118 Nepali nationals have been killed while serving in the Russian army, and 132 remain missing, according to Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Data from the Department of Consular Services show that 219 Nepalis have also been injured in the conflict. The department has been collecting and sending DNA samples as per official communication from Russia to verify the identities of the deceased.

The war, which began on February 24, 2022, has drawn hundreds of Nepali youths to Russia, many of them joined the force meant for battle with promises of high salaries and citizenship. After suffering heavy losses in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin introdu...