India has issued fresh advisory as tensions rise over an imminent Russian invasion of Ukraine. It has advised Indian citizens in Ukraine to consider leaving the country temporarily. Indian embassy also requested its nationals to keep them informed on their whereabouts in Ukraine.
“In view of uncertainties of the current situation in Ukraine, Indian nationals, particularly students whose stay not essential, may consider leaving temporarily,” Indian Embassy in Kyiv said in a statement.
“Indian nationals are requested to keep the Embassy informed about the status of their presence in Ukraine to enable the Embassy to reach them where required,” the statement said.
Ukraine-Russia Crisis Explained
In the wake of fresh tensions, several countries have cut back their diplomatic staff in Ukraine. They all have been urging their citizens to leave the country.
Among all those countries that have called on their nationals to leave Ukraine are the US, Germany, Italy, Britain, Ireland, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Canada, Norway, Estonia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Australia, Japan, Israel, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
However, Russia denies any plan to invade Ukraine. As it already controls the Crimea territory that was seized in 2014; it supports separatist forces controlling the Donbas region.
Moscow denying any invasion intentions refutes it all by calling them fake news, a propaganda of the West.
On the other hand, as many as 130,000 Russian troops are positioned within reach of Ukraine’s borders.
How real is the threat of Invasion?
As we all know that Russia had invaded Ukraine in 2014. Seizing its territory, it now demands guarantee from the NATO.
Ukraine’s president has been appealing to the West not to spread “panic”. While, France opines that Russia’s only aim remains to gain a better security deal. Germany’s chancellor is also heading to Moscow for talks with President Vladimir Putin.
Besides, Russia has increased military presence in Belarus, Crimea and western Russia in the past 48 hours. Some of the latest satellite images from the region show a massive build-up of Russian troops.
Russia has always dreaded Ukraine’s tilt towards NATO and the EU. Its core demand so far for the West remains to guarantee Ukraine will not join NATO.
Since Ukraine shares borders with both the EU and Russia. It is a former Soviet republic that has deep social and cultural ties with Russia.
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