MEA teams to evacuate Indians from Ukraine's land borders
What's the story
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is sending teams to the land borders of Ukraine to help evacuate Indian nationals stranded in the country. The move came as Ukraine closed its airspace following an invasion from Russia on Thursday. Teams will be sent to Hungary, Poland, Slovak Republic, and Romania, which border Ukraine on the western side.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The action from the government comes as thousands of Indian nationals remain in Ukraine amid a full-scale Russian invasion. Of the estimated 20,000 Indians living in Ukraine, around 4,000 managed to leave the country in the last few weeks. Russia has launched an attack on Ukraine after weeks of border tensions over the latter's wish to join the international military alliance NATO.
Details
Jaishankar speaks to counterparts in 4 countries
Reportedly, MEA teams are being sent to Hungary's Zahony border post, Poland's Krakowiec border, Slovak Republic's Vysne Nemecke border, and Romania's Suceava border. Officials have asked Indian nationals in Ukraine to contact these teams. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted that he had spoken to his counterparts of the four countries that border Ukraine.
Twitter Post
MEA posts contact details of teams
To assist in the evacuation of Indian nationals from Ukraine,MEA Teams from @IndiaInHungary, @IndiainPoland, @IndiaInSlovakia @eoiromania are on their way to the adjoining land borders with Ukraine.
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) February 24, 2022
Indian nationals in Ukraine near the border points can contact these teams ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/OSd90I4DGH
Details
Indian embassy issues advisory
Earlier, the Indian embassy in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv had urged Indian nationals not to leave their homes. "Please be aware of your surroundings, be safe, do not leave your homes unless necessary and carry your documents with you at all times," the embassy's advisory said. Officials further said the Indian embassy "continues to operate around the clock looking out for the safety...of Indians."
Developments
Over 100 killed in Russian attack
Russia is said to have launched the biggest attack on a European state since the Second World War. An estimated 137 Ukrainians have been killed and hundreds of others were wounded as multiple explosions were heard across the capital city. The United States and other Western nations have imposed unprecedented sanctions against Russia in the aftermath of the attack.