Russia-Ukraine War News Updates: India’s Ministry of External Affairs is closely monitoring the war situation in Ukraine and focusing on safety of Indians there.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar (Photo: File)
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is closely monitoring the rapidly changing situation in Ukraine after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared war on Thursday. High-level meetings are underway and contingency plans are being operationalised.
The MEA is focusing on safety and security of Indians in Ukraine, especially students, as per ministry sources. Given the closure of airspace, alternative evacuation routes are being activated. The Ministry of External Affairs’ control room is being expanded and made operational 24 hours a day to deal with the situation, sources added.
Earlier, India Today spoke exclusively to an Indian student in Ukraine who said he was waiting to be rescued and brought back to India at the earliest. READ FULL REPORT
Meanwhile, the Embassy of India in Ukraine has advised Indian nationals in the country to refrain from travelling to Kyiv and stay put in safe locations after Russia launched a full-fledged attack.
Follow Russia-Ukraine war news LIVE updates HERE
“All those who are travelling to Kyiv, including those travelling from western parts of Kyiv, are advised to return to their respective cities temporarily, especially towards safer places along the western bordering countries,” the advisory said.
The Indian Embassy in Ukraine is fully functional and additional Russian-speaking officials have been sent.
RUSSIA DECLARES WAR
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared war on Ukraine in a televised address on Thursday. He said the military action announced by him will seek to “demilitarize” Ukraine and came in response to threats from Ukraine.
Moments after his announcement, large explosions were heard in different parts of Ukraine. The Ukraine representative at an emergency United Nations meeting appealed to all to “stop the war”.
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden condemned Putin’s order of invasion and said he would be coordinating with Nato allies to respond to Russia’s aggression.
Click here for IndiaToday.in’s complete coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.