Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Lucky To Be Back Home, Still Many Stuck; Say Odia Students On Return

Happiness was writ large on the faces of several students, teachers, who were stranded in war-torn Ukraine, on their return to homeland Odisha on Sunday. Though they consider themselves ‘lucky’ to have escaped in the nick of time before the invasion by the Russian forces, apprehensions still remain as many of their friends are still stuck in different cities of Ukraine.

“My friends in Ukraine are in lot of stress due to bombings by Russia. They are now taking shelter at safe locations. The entire development process will be stalled and Ukraine will be now be pushed back by 10 to 15 years due to the war-like situation,” said a student after landing at Bhubaneswar airport.

Another teacher said, “Anticipating that the situation would turn worse, we decided to leave Ukraine. We are happy that we are back in Odisha. However, a lot of medical students from Odisha are still facing problems. The officials of the Embassy are in touch with them.”

A student, who was stranded in Kyiv, said, “I feel much secured after arriving in Bhubaneswar. I thank the students’ community and the Indian government for their efforts in the evacuation process. I was scared due to the developments, but my friends were continuously updating about the developments.”

It is pertinent to mention that a lot of students from Odisha are now stranded in Ukraine after Russia launched a full-scale invasion on the eastern European nation.

The Odisha government is in constant touch with the government of India and all possible measures are being taken for the safe evacuation of the stranded students and other expats from the State.