Krishna Bahadur Shahi, a 24-year-old engineer from Nepal, found himself in a Russian military hospital, wounded and far from home. Trapped by human traffickers and forced into the Russian army, he vowed to escape. “I had to get out,” Shahi said, fearing he would be sent back to the frontlines if he didn’t leave.

Caught in a Dangerous Network
Facing limited job prospects in Nepal, Shahi was lured by human traffickers promising lucrative pay for working as a guard in Russia. The reality was far grimmer. He ended up on the frontlines in Ukraine, fighting alongside Russian convicts. “I was a slave,” he said, recounting the abuse and harsh conditions he endured.

Risky Escape Attempts
Shahi’s first escape attempt failed when he was betrayed by his smugglers. Determined, he tried again, this time making it to a hideout in Mariupol. However, the plan fell apart, leading to his arrest and return to the frontlines. Wounded again in battle, he saw an opportunity to escape from the hospital in Rostov-on-Don.

Aided by Kind Strangers
Desperate and injured, Shahi secured a phone through a kind hospital orderly, allowing him to contact his wife. She borrowed heavily to fund his escape. With the help of more traffickers, Shahi reached the Nepalese Embassy in Moscow, which provided crucial assistance.

Safe at Last
Despite being detained by Russian border police, Shahi managed to board a flight back to Nepal. “I saved my own life,” he said, reflecting on his harrowing journey. Now home, he faces a daunting future but is grateful to be alive.