Nepalese mercenary in Russian Army captured by Ukraine, earned only $40

The Ukrainian Armed Forces have captured a mercenary hailing from Nepal, who had sought to monetize his service in the Russian army. This young man, a former student in Russia, had perceived war as a profitable affair; however, not so in Vladimir Putin's army. After two months, he was left feeling lucky to have survived, while having earned a mere 40 dollars.

Stories like that of this 22-year-old Nepalese man are becoming more common in the Ukrainian war. Captured and lucky to be alive, he details his experiences on the front line. He had hoped to make a respectable income by serving in the Russian army, drawn in by promises of extensive rewards-- up to 2000 dollars.

As it transpired, he received just 40 dollars after two months of service, and found himself sent almost certainly to his demise on the battlefront. His survival was fortuitous, and the Nepalese mercenary adds that there are hundreds like him in Putin's army, with commanders treating them as expendable "mobiks".

This is how the Russians have found "volunteers" for service within their military ranks and for combat in Ukraine.

Some observers believe the 22-year-old's claim, as relayed to Ukrainian forces, to be full of inaccuracies. Neither fluent in Russian nor English, the plausibility of his university studies comes under question, and it is suggested that he may have been an illegal immigrant instead.

Russian officials profit handsomely through the sale of student visas, drawing illegal immigrants from Asia. This is likely how the young Nepalese ended up in Russia, only to find himself facing deportation when caught. To evade this fate, he accepted an offer to serve in the Russian army.

This is part of a wider scheme by the Kremlin to bolster their forces for the fight in Ukraine.

With the introduction of the fall military draft, Putin and his company sought to refrain from conscripting young Russians from major cities. Their innovative solution? Recruit the millions of illegal immigrants in Russia, many of whom hail from former USSR countries.

Many immigrants head to Russia to enhance their economic prospects and living conditions. Often, they are unaware of the unwelcome reception awaiting them, and Putin's administration takes advantage of their naivety by sending them to war.

As the 22-year-old Nepalese man recounts, dozens or even hundreds like him have been lured into the Russian army by false promises of handsome wages and a better future. What they imagined to be a golden opportunity turns out to be a deception.

By exploiting those who resist deportation, the Russians have created a virtual army of slaves. This not only includes the Nepalese, but also volunteer soldiers from countries like Cuba. The Kremlin has filled its vacant posts and will continue to do so until the upcoming elections in spring.

What follows? Putin, likely to remain president, will announce mandatory mobilization, and there will be no sparing.