Dubbing the current state of affairs amid a Russian invasion as “highly uncertain”, the Indian embassy has advised Indian nationals in Ukraine to refrain from travelling to Kyiv.
The Embassy of India has advised Indians in Ukraine to refrain from travelling to Kyiv (AP photo)
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.
Dubbing the current state of affairs amid a Russian invasion as “highly uncertain”, the embassy appealed to all Indian nationals in Ukraine to maintain calm and stay safe.
“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.
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Further details would be shared in case of developments, the embassy added.
A day before, the Indian embassy had advised Indian students to leave Ukraine temporarily.
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After weeks of rising tensions, Russia on Thursday announced a military operation against Ukraine.
READ | Ukraine-Russia War News Updates: 5 Russian planes and 1 helicopter shot down, claims Ukraine
The Ukrainian authorities issued a NOTAM or “notice to airmen”, which stated that flights of civil aircraft within the country “are restricted due to potential hazard for civil aviation”.
With Ukraine closing its airspace, scheduled flights to evacuate Indian citizens from the country were temporarily suspended, with one Air India flight turning back mid-course.
According to reports, Russia has struck Ukrainian air bases and other military assets and not targeted populated areas. The Russian Defence Ministry statement said the military was using precision weapons and claimed that “there is no threat to civilian population”.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared martial law and urged Ukrainians to stay home and not to panic.
READ | Ukraine’s underground metro stations double as bomb shelters amid Russian invasion
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