New Delhi: Embassy of India in Kyiv asked Indians, particularly students whose stay is not essential, to leave Ukraine temporarily in view of uncertainties of the current situation.
‘In view of the uncertainties of the current situation in Ukraine, Indian nationals in Ukraine, particularly students whose stay is not essential, may consider leaving temporarily. Indian nationals are also advised to avoid all non-essential travel to and within Ukraine,’ the Embassy’s advisory read.
The Embassy further urged Indian nationals to keep it posted about the status of their presence in Ukraine so that the Embassy can contact them in the event of an emergency. The Indian Embassy in Ukraine has said that it will continue to function normally and provide all services to Indian nationals in Ukraine.
The move comes amidst concerns that Russia might invade Kyiv. Though Moscow denies it has any plans to invade Ukraine, Putin’s forces has massed well over 1,30,000 troops near the Ukrainian borders.
Earlier, the United States announced that it will close its embassy in Ukraine, and move the staffers to a city near the Polish border. It also issued multiple warnings to American citizens in Ukraine, asking them to leave immediately and to register with the embassy if they intend to stay on.
Meanwhile, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has spoken to the foreign ministers of Russia and Ukraine, expressing ‘serious concern’ over the heightened tensions between the countries and sought for diplomacy to defuse those tensions.
‘He (Guterres) welcomed the ongoing diplomatic discussions to defuse those tensions and underline yet again the fact that there is no alternative to diplomacy,’ said spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.