India is grappling with the situation of evacuating thousands of Indian citizens that are stranded in Ukraine. With Russia attacking Ukraine this morning, the latter closed its airspace and India had to recall a special flight meant to bring Indian students and citizens home. Although, the Indian government has assured that it was doing everything and would be sending flights to Ukraine in the coming days for the specific purpose, this move has left many students in disappointed.
In a video that has gone viral in just a few hours, Indian students and other citizens are seen stranded at a railway station in Kiev, asking for for help to get out of the country. A student explains their situation saying that they were stranded and had no idea of what to do. He said they had tried to contact Indian Embassy and other authorities but had received no response. Another person said that there were no means of transport available in the city or and no safe places, so they had nowhere to go.
This news comes hours after the Indian Embassy in Kiev released a statement, saying, “In view of the closure of Ukrainian air space, the schedule of special flights stands canceled, however, alternative arrangements are being made for the evacuation of Indian nationals.” The Embassy has listed emergency contact numbers on its website and has assured to keep the people updated of any happenings.
According to local media reports, war crisis between Russia and Ukraine escalated this morning when the Russian forces entered Ukraine. It is believed that there have been at least five explosions in the separatist-occupied Donetsk. Russia President Vladimir Putin has warned that if any other country interferes with the situation there will be dire consequences.
