India’s officials in Ukraine have asked citizens not to approach border checkpoints without first consulting officials; the situation at border checkpoints is “sensitive,” and citizens attempting to flee the country should not proceed without first consulting government officials, India said in a statement released on Saturday as it tries to ramp up evacuation efforts. According to reports, some 16,000 Indians are in Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia on Thursday. Day 3 of the offensive has begun, with the Kremlin focusing on Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital.
“All Indian citizens in Ukraine are urged not to travel to any border posts without first consulting with government of India authorities at the border posts (helpline numbers established) and the emergency numbers of the Indian Embassy in Kyiv,” according to a government statement.
“The situation at various border checkpoints is sensitive, and the Embassy is continuously working with our embassies in neighbouring countries to manage the evacuation of our individuals,” the statement continued.
Staying in western Ukraine’s cities, where there is access to water, food, lodging, and basic facilities, is “relatively safer and advisable” than crossing the border without fully understanding the situation, according to the administration.
