Tensions rising over a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine
new Delhi:
India has asked its citizens living in Ukraine not to panic over reports of people not getting flight tickets amid rising tensions between the former Soviet state and its neighbor Russia, which has deployed troops, tanks and warplanes along the border. which is prone to attack. ,
The Embassy of India in Ukraine said in a tweet that it was aware of reports of people not getting flights; However, it asked Indians living in Ukraine not to panic as more flights are being planned. A 24-hour helpline has been started for Indians. see details,
The embassy did not specify when exactly the additional flights would be operational. It added that the details would be shared by the embassy “as and when confirmed”.
The embassy tweeted, “The Embassy of India is receiving several appeals regarding non-availability of flights from Ukraine to India. In this regard, students are advised not to panic but to travel to India at the earliest. Book quick and convenient flights. ,
“Currently, Ukrainian International Airlines, Air Arabia, Fly Dubai, Qatar Airways etc are operating flights,” it said.
“More flights are being planned in the near future”, the embassy said, involving Air India and Ukrainian International Airlines.
Russia said today that military exercises in Crimea linked to Moscow have ended and soldiers were returning to their garrisons a day after announcing the withdrawal of their troops from Ukraine’s borders.
However, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, chief Jens Stoltenberg said Russia’s military build-up continues around Ukraine, while Moscow has announced the withdrawal of more forces.
“We have heard signals from Moscow to continue diplomatic efforts, but so far, we have not seen any shortages on the ground,” Mr. Stoltenberg said ahead of a meeting of NATO defense ministers. “On the contrary, it appears that Russia is continuing its military build-up,” AFP news agency reported.
An intense diplomatic campaign is underway to deal with the crisis.
Russia has repeatedly accused the West of the Ukraine crisis, saying the US and Western Europe are ignoring Russia’s legitimate security concerns. Russia insists that NATO must assure that Ukraine will never be accepted as a NATO member and that the coalition withdraws its presence in several Eastern European and former Soviet countries.
With inputs from AFP
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