Thousands of Indians studying in Ukraine have suddenly found themselves in the midst of the war after Russia invaded the country last week, with many hunkered inside bunkers and fearful of what lies ahead.

Pressure on the Indian government to pull out its citizens has intensified in recent days, especially after one student died in shelling in Kharkiv on Tuesday. The government says about 17,000 out of an estimated 20,000 Indian citizens in Ukraine have left the country and that India is trying to evacuate the rest to nearby countries from where they can be flown back home. Many of those who remain stranded are in conflict areas such as Kharkiv and Sumy.

An Indian student studying in Ukraine who fled the conflict takes a selfie with her mother. (Photo Credit: Associated Press)
Activist of All India Students’ Association shout slogans during protest in New Delhi. (Photo Credit: Associated Press)
Parents hug Iqra Praveen, center, an Indian student studying in Ukraine who fled the conflict. (Photo Credit: Associated Press)
Students from India studying in Ukraine that fled the conflict from neighbouring Ukraine take a selfie at a refugee camp in Voluntari, Romania. (Photo Credit: Associated Press)
Indian students studying in Ukraine who fled the conflict hug their relatives as they arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. (Photo Credit: Associated Press)