To keep Indian nationals safe, the Indian embassy in Kyiv has accommodated several of them in the mission

With the Russian attack on Ukraine turning into a full-blown war between the two countries, the Indian embassy in Kyiv has advised Indian nationals stuck in the East European country despite several warnings, to stay calm and face the situation with fortitude.

“I would request everyone to stay calm and face the situation with fortitude,” Indian ambassador to Ukraine Partha Satpathy said on Thursday in a video message, maintaining that the embassy will continue to remain open and operative in Kyiv

Ambassador Satpathy said that today morning they woke up with the news that Ukraine is under attack. He added the situation is highly tense and uncertain and this is of course a reason for anxiety as air space is closed, railway schedules are in a flux and roads are choked since people leaving Ukraine for a safety in nearby countries.

“We have already reached out to the Indian diaspora and have requested them to assist you to the best of their abilities,” he stated.

“I am inundated with calls, so the embassy and we are doing our best to help. If there is a critical emergency, contact us on the emergency lines provided. Please follow our social media platforms for any updates that we are putting out,” Sathpathy said.

“As of now the Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs and Embassy of India are seized of the situation and working on a mission mode to find a solution to this difficult situation. I will reach out to you with more information,” he added.

Earlier, India called for urgent de-escalation of tensions and emphasized on sustained and focused diplomacy to address all issues concerning the situation.

India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, TS Tirumurti said, “We call for immediate de-escalation and refraining from any further action that could contribute to a worsening of the situation.”

The situation in Ukraine is dangerous and spiraling into a major crisis, India said at an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Ukraine.