WATCH: As Russia invades Ukraine, Indian students stuck in Kyiv urge govt for safe return

new Delhi: Ukraine woke up to the noise of explosions on Thursday, minutes after Russia announced a special military operation in Kiev. Tension escalated in troubled Ukraine, following which the country issued a NOTAM (Notice to Air Mission) banning all civilian flights. Now, this means that many Indian citizens, including students, can no longer move out of Kiev until services resume.

Scores of Indian students pursuing higher education in Ukrainian colleges – most of them studying medicine – are trapped and in panic in Kiev. They are requesting the Government of India to ensure their safe return.

Divyanshu Ghelot, a student at Ivano Frankivsk National Medical University in Ukraine, who is also the president of Indian students at the university, is praying to the Indian government for help along with other students stranded in Kiev.

He talked about the problem and the danger faced by Indian students after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Divyanshu Ghelot said, “The situation has worsened in Ukraine. Food is not available in the markets, ATMs are without cash. We request the Indian government to evacuate us from here at the earliest.”

Another Indian student stranded in Ukraine said that his flight to India got cancelled. “We urge the Indian government to evacuate us from Ukraine. We are very scared.”

Earlier on Thursday, the Indian Embassy in Kiev urged Indians in Ukraine to “remain calm and stay safe in their homes, hostels, residences or wherever they are in transit.”