The family of Binod Bahadur Sunuwar, a 36-year-old Nepali serving in the Russian army who is presumed dead while fighting against Ukraine, conducted his symbolic cremation at Pashupati Aryaghat in Kathmandu on Monday.

Sunuwar, originally from Molung-7 in Patle, Okhaldhunga, and later residing in Kirtipur-4, Kathmandu, travelled to Russia on October 3 and joined the Russian army. He acquired Russian citizenship on November 6. He was reportedly killed in combat in the Bakhmut region of Ukraine.

Confirmation of his death came not through official channels but through a phone call and message from his commander, who advised them to initiate procedures for compensation. While the government is yet to officially acknowledge his death, the family performed the funeral rites using a symbolic representation of his body made from Kusha, a sacred grass, and barley flour at Aryaghat.

Sunuwar’s mother, Nar Maya (62); his wife, Srijana Basnet (34); and his 14-year-old son, Krishna Sunuwar carried out the rituals in accordance with family traditions. Mourning ceremonies commenced the same day at their residence in Kirtipur-4.

Binod was the middle son in his family. The Sunuwar family relocated to Kathmandu 25 years ago after a landslide in Okhaldhunga claimed the lives of Binod’s elder brother and sister, compelling them to leave their village.

He had entered into an inter-caste marriage with Srijana and later moved to Russia, driven by economic hardship. In pursuit of financial stability, he joined the Russian military after obtaining citizenship on November 16.

The recruitment of Nepalis into foreign armies without formal agreements, such as in Russia, remains a contentious issue. Nepal currently allows its citizens to serve in only the British and Indian armies. Hence, the participation of Nepalis in the Russian military has raised significant concerns. Reports suggest that many Nepalis travel to Russia on student or work visas and are subsequently recruited into military service.

Although Nepali law prohibits citizens from joining foreign armies without formal treaties, limited economic opportunities at home have compelled many to take such risks. Binod’s death comes 75 days after his disappearance, during which the family received no official updates from either the Nepal or Russian government.

As mourning begins for Binod, his story stands as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by countless Nepalis in search of a better future, often in perilous and unfamiliar territories.