Amid Russia-Ukraine tensions, Indians unable to use ceasefire routes for safety

Russia and Ukraine on Saturday announced a ceasefire and humanitarian corridors for civilians to leave the cities of Mariupol and Volnovakha, but Indians stranded in eastern Ukraine were unable to use these exit routes.

Ukraine said the Russians violated the agreement and the ongoing shelling made it “impossible to open humanitarian corridors for the safe evacuation of civilians”.

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It is reported that some Indians were only able to move towards Ukraine’s western border, and not the eastern border with Russia.

In New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting to review the situation in Ukraine and the evacuation process.

Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said not too many Indians are left in Ukraine apart from those in Sumy and Pisochyn.

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“Almost all Indians have left Kharkiv which was an area of considerable concern over the last few days,” he said.

The Indian embassy in Ukraine said, “Pisochyn has been evacuated of all Indian citizens. Mission will continue to remain in touch with them through their journey. Their safety has always been our priority.”

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Earlier, the MEA spokesperson had said, “In nearby Pisochyn, as of a few hours ago, there were less than 289 students who were to be evacuated. We hope to complete that task by today. Three buses have already left with students from there. In five buses, we will be able to get the rest. We should be able to clear out everyone in a few hours.”

Till Saturday, 15 flights landed in India with 2,900 people on board. Around 13,300 have returned to India on 63 flights under Operation Ganga.

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The Indian government asked students in Sumy in north-eastern Ukraine to stay put and called for a ceasefire in the area so that they can be evacuated.