NEW DELHI, Feb 20: All the family members of the embassy staff in Ukraine and
all students and other Indians still remaining in the country have been advised
by the Indian mission to leave immediately in view of the worsening situation
at the border where Russia is ramping up troop build-up for what is being feared
by the West as an imminent aggression, which may lead to a catastrophic war
with the West.
The Indian embassy in Ukraine said Indian citizens should take any available
commercial or charter flight to get out of the country.
"In view of the continued high levels of tensions and uncertainties with respect
to the situation in Ukraine, all Indian nationals whose stay is not deemed essential
and all Indian students, are advised to leave Ukraine temporarily," the embassy
tweeted.
"Indian students are advised to also get in touch with respective student contractors
for updates on charter flights, and also continue to follow embassy Facebook,
website and Twitter for any update," it said.
The embassy in Ukraine said everyone is not getting the flights now and that
more flights are being planned. It asked the Indian citizens not to panic. The
details of additional flights would be made available "as and when confirmed".
It has been stated that Air India will send three aircraft to Ukraine on February
22, 24 and 26. The flights will operate to and from Boryspil International Airport.
Indians needing information and assistance can also contact the control room
set up by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The embassy in Ukraine has a 24-hour
helpline, the Ministry said in a statement.
The contact numbers are: 1800118797 (toll free); +91 11 23012113, +91 11 23014104,
+91 11 23017905; Fax: +91 11 23088124; Email: situationroom@mea.gov.in
The 24x7 emergency helpline in Ukraine: +380 997300428, +380 997300483; Email:
cons1.kyiv@mea.gov.in; Website: eoiukraine.gov.in
Meanwhile, fighting escalated in Russia-backed, separatist-controlled Donbas
region in eastern Ukraine. Shelling continued in the frontline with the Ukraine
forces. Putin oversaw tests of nuclear-capable missiles in friendly Belarus
in the north.
US Vice-President Kamala Harris rounded up her mission at the Munich Security
Conference at the weekend. She had separate meetings with Ukraine President
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO
Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, the leaders of the three Baltic nations
(Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda, Estonia's Prime Minister Kaja Kallas
and Latvia's President Egils Levits) German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Greek
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Harris emphasized that "our commitment to Article 5 of the NATO Treaty is ironclad
and that we stand united with our NATO Allies in opposing Russian aggression,"
a readout from the White House said. The Baltic leaders also 'discussed efforts
to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and collective defence. zz
