The family of a Nepali student allegedly captured in Ukraine have demanded that the government take initiatives to secure his release.

Sujan Subedi, from ward 3 of Khairahani Municipality in Chitwan, went to Russia on a study visa in 2022 and later joined the Russian army. He returned home safely once but was captured during a second deployment, according to his family.

About two and a half years ago, Sujan sent a video message appealing for help, addressing it to Chitwan Mayor Renu Dahal. Since then, three prime ministers have taken office, but his family has had no contact with him since May last year.

“Our brother sent a message from Ukraine saying he had been captured. We reached out to local and national officials, but nothing happened. Even under the current government, we have heard nothing,” said Suman Subedi, Sujan’s elder brother.

On Friday, Suman and other locals attempted a protest in Bharatpur demanding the government’s action, but police blocked the demonstration. One participant was briefly detained, and the group was prevented from marching further toward Narayanghat.

Sujan had originally planned to study and work in Russia for ten months. When the Russia–Ukraine war intensified, he joined the Russian army, partly to support his parents’ medical expenses, his family said. After returning home once, he left again despite warnings. Long silence followed until a recent video confirmed his capture.

His younger brother, who had been in Japan, returned home after no news of Sujan reached the family. Neighbours have supported them, but the family says the government has yet to take meaningful action.