Escaping Ukraine, a group of Indian students stays back in Moldova

The Indian students who managed to reach Moldova said they were relieved after coming out of danger zones

A number of Indian students have managed to cross the border of war-struck Ukraine and reached Moldova on Monday. While some of them headed towards Romania, from where they will be brought back home by the Indian government, some decided to stay back in Moldova citing unrest near the Romanian border.

Some of those who remained in Moldova said they were glad to finally be somewhere without the tension of war and attacks. Sagar Thakkar from Dombivli told mid-day, "We were in bunkers and hostels for the last four days. There is too much tension. We reached Moldova by bus today. I am a little relieved."

Another student from the city, Priyal Bhanushali, said, "When we reached Moldova, we got breakfast and water. We also got two sim cards and contacted our families. Our parents were worried and didn't eat the last few days. After we told them we were safe. Now we are waiting for the Indian government to help us go home."

A Russian missile struck a television tower in Kyiv, after troops had amassed near the capital, on Tuesday. Pic/AFP

Another student, Mahek Gupta, echoed the sentiment and said, "We don't want to stay here, we want to reach India as soon as we can. There are still many who are stuck at Poland and Romania borders. We are now out of the danger zone but are still scared. But after reaching Moldova, we are trying to be happy and are also spending time sightseeing."

Sanket Pathak, who also stayed back in Moldova, said, "On Monday a blast took place at Kharkiv where an Indian student died. Ever since we heard this news, we have been in fear. We are out now but are worried about our friends who are still in danger zones in Kyiv and Kharkiv. Around 25-30 students who came here with us have left towards the Romania border on foot as they did not get any help."

He added, "Now the India Embassy is also active after the death of an Indian student. They asked us to form a group and send the details, so that they can arrange buses to take us to Romania. From there, we will return to India."

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No. of Indian students killed in Ukraine