Indian embassy asks citizens to leave Ukraine ‘at the earliest’

The Indian embassy in Ukraine issued an advisory for its citizens on Wednesday against traveling to the war-torn country in view of the deteriorating security situation and the recent escalation of hostilities.

The statement read that Indian citizens, including students, in Ukraine were advised to leave Ukraine at the earliest.

The advisory came hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared martial law in four regions of Ukraine that Moscow had annexed and gave all regional governors in Russia emergency powers that opened the door for sweeping new restrictions throughout the country.

According to Russian legislation, martial law could require banning public gatherings, introducing travel bans and curfews, and conducting censorship, among other restrictions.

Last month, Putin ordered a mobilization of army reservists, following which Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kyiv, have been bombed regularly.

Ukraine has claimed massive loss of lives, including those of civilians. Its president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has said there is no space left for any talks with Putin.

Meanwhile, Europe has further tightened sanctions against Russia over the past few days.

Earlier this month, India said it was deeply concerned at the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, including the targeting of citizens and deaths of civilians.