Amid Russian invasion threat, India asks its nationals, whose stay is not essential, to leave Ukraine

Amid the threat of a possible Russian invasion, the Embassy of India in Kyiv asked Indian nationals, particularly students whose stay is not essential, to leave Ukraine temporarily in view of uncertainties of the current situation.

In an advisory, the Embassy also urged Indian nationals to refrain from travelling to and within Ukraine, if not essential.

The advisory comes amid simmering tensions between Russia and Ukraine over the imminent Russian invasion which is likely to begin within days.

“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 advisory read.

The Embassy also requested Indian nationals to keep them informed about the status of their presence in Ukraine to enable them to reach them where required.

“The Embassy continues to function normally to provide all services to Indian nationals in Ukraine,” the advisory read.

Meanwhile, the United States is relocating its Ukraine embassy operations from Kyiv to the western city of Lviv, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken, citing a “dramatic acceleration in the buildup of Russian forces.” 

In recent weeks, Russia has deployed tens of thousands of troops on Ukraine’s borders, triggering fears of an invasion. However, Russia denies that it is planning to launch an offensive against Ukraine.

Last month, India said that it is keeping a close watch on the developments relating to Ukraine, including ongoing high-level discussions between Russia and the US, and called for a peaceful resolution of the situation for long-term peace and stability in the region and beyond.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the Indian Embassy in Kyiv is also monitoring local developments.

Last week, US President Joe Biden spoke to President Vladimir Putin over the phone and made clear that if Russia invades Ukraine, the US and its allies would respond “decisively and impose swift and severe costs”.