The Indian Embassy in Kyiv on Saturday said buses have been arranged to evacuate 298 stranded Indian citizens from Pisochyn. The shift of focus to North Eastern Ukraine came even as reports came in about students alleging that the Indian Embassy there was not helpful and the education agents were asking for USD 500 from each student for evacuation.
Indian students in Sumy also posted videos, saying they have decided to leave for the Russian border and that the Indian government and the embassy in Ukraine will be responsible if anything happens to them.
Following this, Indian envoy to Ukraine Partha Satpathy said no stone will be left unturned for the safe evacuation of Indian students from the conflict-stricken eastern Ukrainian city of Sumy as he hailed the unparalleled strength and fortitude displayed by the young citizens in dealing with the adversities.
After the embassy's assurance, the students did not leave the eastern Ukrainian city that has been witnessing intense fighting between Russian and Ukrainian troops.
"The last two weeks have been extremely harrowing and challenging for all of us. Hardly anyone would have ever witnessed such pain and disruption in our lives," Satpathy said.
"Nonetheless, I am proud of the maturity and fortitude displayed by our Indian nationals, especially young Indian students, in continuing to stay brave during these difficult times," he said. His message was posted on Twitter by the Indian embassy in Kyiv.
As for evacuation from Pisochyn, the late evening announcement came from the Indian Embassy in Kyiv. The embassy said the buses will soon reach Pisochyn to evacuate the stranded Indian students and urged them to follow safety instructions and precautions.
“Reaching out to our 298 students in Pisochyn. Buses are enroute and expected to arrive soon. Please follow all safety instructions and precautions. Be Safe Be Strong. @opganga @MEAIndia,” the Indian Embassy in Kyiv tweeted.
“From Pisochyn and Kharkiv, we should be able to clear out everyone in the next few hours, so far I know no one left in Kharkhiv. Main focus is on Sumy now, challenge remains ongoing violence & lack of transportation; best option would be ceasefire,” the MEA said here.
According to a stranded Indian student Prabal Gautam, “The education agents are saying that Edupedia, which is an agent of Bobtrade, is asking for 500 USD/person from students to get them evacuated as no help is being rendered from the Indian embassy,”
While the group of 500 Indian students stuck in Kharkiv has reached the location designated by the Indian embassy, none of the officials of the embassy were available on the ground, he alleged.