As Ukraine closed its airspace amid escalating tensions with Russia, the Indian government says alternative arrangements are being made to evacuate Indian nationals from Ukraine.
This is a far cry from the position of the Nigerian government, which asked its citizens in troubled Ukraine to “be responsible for their security and safety”.
Russia had on Thursday launched a full-scale attack on Ukraine after demanding an end to NATO’s eastward expansion, saying Ukrainian membership of the US-led Atlantic military alliance was unacceptable.
But in an advisory, the Indian Embassy in Kyiv said the schedule of special flights were cancelled as Ukrainian airspace has been closed.
It, however, added that alternative arrangements were being made to evacuate its citizens.
“Alternative arrangements are being made for the evacuation of Indian nationals. Embassy will convey information as soon as such arrangements are finalized, so that Indian nationals can relocate to the western part of the country. Please carry your passports and necessary documents on your person at all times,” the embassy said in the advisory.
The government urged Indians living in Ukraine to follow the embassy’s website and its social media handles on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates in this regard.
It also listed five Embassy helplines that Indian citizens can call for assistance.
This comes as the Nigerian Government led by Muhammadu Buhari instead urged its citizens in Ukraine to be very vigilant and be responsible for their security and safety.
The Nigerian Embassy in a statement dated February 24, said, “The attention of the Embassy has been drawn to the declaration of a state of emergency and Martial law on the entire territory of Ukraine except the Donetsk and Luhansk regions by the government of Ukraine, effective from midnight of February 23, 2022, for a period of 30 days, as well as the latest development on the Ukraine-Russia crises.
“In view of the development, the embassy urges Nigerian Nationals resident in Ukraine to remain calm but very vigilant and be responsible for their security and safety.
“The embassy wishes to add that should any Nigerian National consider the situation as emotionally disturbing, such National may temporarily relocate to anywhere considered safe by private arrangement. They should, however, ensure that they do all the needful to validate all their resident documents for ease of return to the country when desired.
“Students seeking temporary relocation are enjoined to seek proper clearance and guarantee form from their respective institutions during this period.
“For those who are still considering it appropriate to remain in the country, be rest assured that the embassy remains open for its consular duties and responsibilities at all times.”
