Amid the ongoing tensions in Ukraine, the Indian government has asked the family members of Indian Embassy officials who reside in Kyiv to return to India. Due to escalating tensions amid claims of regular ceasefire violations by both Ukrainian and Russia-backed rebel troops in the country’s east, this advisory was issued on Sunday, February 20.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The official statement said that in view of the continued high levels of tensions and uncertainties with respect to the situation in Ukraine, all Indian nationals whose stay is not deemed essential and all Indian students are advised to leave Ukraine temporarily. Available commercial flights and charter flights may be availed for travel, for an orderly and timely departure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Indian students in Ukraine have been advised to get in touch with their student contractors. The statement added that Indian students are advised to also get in touch with respective student contractors for updates on charter flights, and also continue to follow Embassy Facebook, website and Twitter for any update. This alert comes after India issued a similar warning to its citizens, urging them to return to India and leave Ukraine temporarily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, students\u00a0have complained that they are unable to fly commercially since ticket costs have risen substantially. The situation on the ground has deteriorated drastically, with Ukraine conducting civil defence drills as a substantial number of civilians from the Luhansk and Donetsk areas have begun to flee because of the ongoing shelling. The Ukrainian government is arming those who remain in the country. According to reports, over 18,000 Indians in Ukraine need to be evacuated. Flying out of Ukraine is also getting more difficult, with Lufthansa, one of the world’s leading airlines, suspending service this weekend due to heightened tensions with Russia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n