Russia-Ukraine crisis: 'Maintain calm', says Indian embassy in Ukraine as New Delhi works out alternate evacuation plans

India is looking at ways to assist its nationals, especially students, in Ukraine amid fears of a larger conflict after Russian president Vladimir Putin announced a military operation against the eastern European country. Official sources said India is closely monitoring the “rapidly changing” situation in Ukraine and how to assist the Indians in that country. “We are closely monitoring the rapidly changing situation. Focus is on safety and security of Indians, particularly students,” said a source. It said the control room set by the Ministry of External Affairs a few days back is being expanded and made operational on a 24x7 basis. Indian Embassy in Ukraine has sent out an advisory saying, “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.”

IMPORTANT ADVISORY TO ALL INDIAN NATIONALS IN UKRAINE AS ON 24 FEBRUARY 2022.@MEAINDIA @PIB @DDNEWS pic.twitter.com/e1i1lMuZ1J

— India in Ukraine (@IndiainUkraine) February 24, 2022

“All those who are traveling to Kyiv, including those traveling from western parts of Kyiv, are advised to return to their respective cities temporarily, especially towards safer places along the western bordering countries,” it added. There is no possibility of sending a special aircraft to Ukraine to evacuate the Indians including the Indian embassy staff as the airspace of Ukraine has been closed. Alternate evacuation routes are being activated and Contingency plans are being put into operation, said a source. As per sources, high level meetings are being held at the Ministry of External Affairs to put contingency plans into operation. Also, additional Russian speaking officials have been sent to the embassy in Ukraine to help Indians, added a source. Ukraine closed its airspace to civilian flights in view of high risk to safety. “The government is looking at ways to extend assistance to Indians there,” said a source. As per estimates, over 15,000 Indians are currently staying in Ukraine. It is learnt that a series of meetings are underway to asses the situation and ways to extend assistance to Indians in that country. The situation in Ukraine deteriorated after President Putin announced a military operation against Ukraine, triggering serious concerns over the possibility of a full-scale military confrontation between the two countries. Following Putin’s announcement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said an “invasion” could be the beginning of a “big war” in Europe. With inputs from PTI Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.