Russia-Ukraine war: Taking steps to bring back Indian citizens, students: Centre
Premium- As the air space in Ukraine is closed, alternative arrangements are being made for the evacuation of Indian nationals, MEA said
The Centre on Thursday assured that it is taking all necessary steps to bring back about 18,000 Indians including students from Ukraine amidst the war-like situation in the country.
“As the air space in Ukraine is closed, alternative arrangements are being made for the evacuation of Indian nationals. Central govt will ensure the safety of all Indians," said V Muraleedharan, MoS MEA.
Earlier in the day, the Indian embassy issued an advisory urging its nationals to remain calm and stay put wherever they were in Ukraine as the situation is unpredictable.
"The present situation in Ukraine is highly uncertain. Please maintain calm and remain safe wherever you are, be it in your homes, hostels, accommodations or in transit," the advisory read.
Meanwhile, people aware of the developments in the country told Hindustan Times, “Given the closure of Ukraine airspace, alternative evacuation routes are being activated." They further added that the Indian embassy in Ukraine remains functional and its advisories should be followed.
Explosions have been reported in several cities across Ukraine, including capital Kyiv and in the breakaway regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.
Ukraine's military command said on Thursday that the government forces had killed "around 50 Russian occupiers" while repulsing an attack on a town on the frontline with Moscow-backed rebels.
Ukraine's military has also said that it had destroyed four Russian tanks on a road near the eastern city of Kharkiv.
"Shchastya is under control. 50 Russian occupiers were killed. Another Russian plane was destroyed in the Kramatorsk district. This is the sixth," the armed forces general staff said on Twitter.
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