‘Abandoned and left to fend for ourselves’: Indian students in Ukraine

People cross over to Romania from Ukraine. Pic/AFP

We have been abandoned and left to fend for ourselves," lamented Indian students in Ukraine, who have been told to reach the Romanian border on their own for rescue. They told mid-day that there was firing near the border and some were even pepper-sprayed. The situation hasn't improved much even after crossing over to Romania.

Priyal Bhanushali, who is studying in a Odessa university, managed to cross the border

Before entering Romania, the situation is pathetic and no officials are present to handle the situation," said Bhagyashree, a student who hails from Virar. She crossed the border to safety after a wait of almost 12 hours. "I was standing at the border from 7 pm on Saturday and was able to cross only at 6 am
on Sunday."

Indian students wait in queues to leave for Romania border, outside their hostel in Ivano-Frankivsk city of Ukraine, on Saturday

Bhagyashree added that since a large number of students had gathered at the gate, "there was stampede and firing as well. Someone even pepper-sprayed the students because of which some fainted. We had to push and pull others to get across the border."

The situation ahead is not comforting either, said Bhagyashree, adding that students are facing problems of food and water shortages at the shelter on the Romanian side. They are in the shelter, in freezing cold, without any help from the Indian officials, she said. "The locals are helping us, providing us with food, water and blankets. Otherwise, the situation is pathetic."

12 hours
Approx. time students waited at the border to enter Romania