New Delhi: Amid allegations of racism against Indian nationals trying to leave Ukraine’s borders, the country’s envoy to India on Monday appealed against sensationalism. Igor Polikha said Ukraine is doing everything to help those at the border, but everyone has to wait their turn.
The envoy said Ukraine is helping the stranded Indians and extending assistance in their evacuation notwithstanding the “very difficult” ground situation. Polikha said he himself reached out to some of the Ukrainian border guarding commanders requesting them to assist the Indians who are trying to exit the country through land borders.
“The situation is very difficult and complex. My resources are limited. We are victims of aggression. Still, we are trying to help people including those from other countries,” he said at a media briefing.
Polikha said that his foreign minister was getting calls from everywhere for preferential tratment of their citizens at the border. “The guards who are working 24 hours are asking, how can I push out pregnant women to allow say, citizens of morrocco, out of turn.”
— Devirupa Mitra (@DevirupaM) February 28, 2022
He also pointed out that the crisis has been caused by Russia’s aggression, and Ukraine is treating everyone on equal footing.
Ukraine is also interested in solving the refugee problem. But do not forget the real problem. The main cause is Russian bombing and shelling: #Ukraine Amb Igor Polikha to media pic.twitter.com/XiuQ8icsqH
— Dinakar Peri (@dperi84) February 28, 2022
Polikha said that only Russian President Vladimir Putin can guarantee the safety of Indian nationals.
The ambassador also claimed that the Russian forces are targeting schools, ambulances and civilian areas and that situation in Ukraine is “very difficult and complex.”
Polikha said the circumstances at the Ukraine-Poland border crossing are challenging as lakhs of people including diplomats, foreigners and Ukrainian citizens are queuing up to exit Ukraine.
“In the case of Indian nationals, we are even trying to use our personal contacts to help them. But, you have to understand the ground realities. We are in a war,” he said.
Foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Sunday met Polikha and requested Ukraine’s assistance in the evacuation of the stranded Indians.
“I had a long and productive meeting with the foreign secretary. The number of Uranian refugees has exceeded four lakhs. It is approaching very quickly to five lakhs,” Polikha said.
Quoting projections by some “pessimists”, he said that if the war is not stopped, then there is a possibility that the number of refugees could increase to seven million.
“In such a case it will be a humanitarian catastrophe,” he said.
Asked whether he can assure the safety of Indian students, Polikha said “only Russian President Vladimir Putin can give that assurance”.
“I don’t know what will happen there after three hours. We are trying to be helpful to everyone,” he said.
The Indian embassy in Ukraine also urged citizens not to “exhibit aggressive behaviour” while at railway stations, saying there are large crowds at railway stations. It asked Indians to remain patient and composed.
“Ukrainians both civilians and authorities have been remarkably supportive in facilitating evacuation efforts of Indian citizens, especially considering these critical and dangerous times. You are all requested to respect [these] sentiments,” it said.
Second Advisory to all Indian Nationals/Students in Ukraine as on 28 February 2022.@MEAIndia @PIB_India @PIBHindi @DDNational @DDNewslive pic.twitter.com/lm5zT4HdlZ
— India in Ukraine (@IndiainUkraine) February 28, 2022