Russia-Ukraine crisis: Multiple loud explosions heard in eastern Ukraine; Indian embassy in Kyiv asks nationals to leave temporarily

Kyiv/New Delhi: In a fresh advisory, the Indian Embassy in Ukraine on Sunday asked Indian nationals whose stay is not essential and all Indian students to leave temporarily by commercial flights and charter flights. It also asked Indian students to get in touch with student contractors for updates on charter flights and follow the Indian Embassy's social media handles.

The advisory read: “In view of the continued high levels of tensions and uncertainties with respect to the situation in Ukraine, all Indian nationals whose stay is not deemed essential and all Indian students, are advised to leave Ukraine temporarily. “Available commercial flights, and charter flights may be availed for travel, for orderly and timely departure. “Indian students are advised to also get in touch with respective student contractors for updates on charter flights, and also continue to follow Embassy Facebook, website and Twitter for any update.”

The development came as multiple explosions were heard late on Saturday and early Sunday in the centre of the separatist-controlled city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine. The origin of the explosions was not clear.

Russia's strategic nuclear forces held exercises overseen by President Vladimir Putin on Saturday, as Washington accused Russian troops massed near Ukraine's border of advancing and being “poised to strike”.

On February 15, the Indian Embassy in Kyiv had asked its nationals, especially students, to consider leaving the country temporarily, citing the “uncertainties of the current situation”.

The Indian Embassy had also asked Indians to avoid all non-essential travel to and within Ukraine.

The Indian Embassy and the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi have opened emergency helplines and an email ID to help with urgent and emergency related queries. (UNI)