Russia-Ukraine war: Indian students hiding in basement in Kharkiv; video surfaces

Russia-Ukraine war: As many as 500 Indian students have been taking shelter in the basement of an educational institution in Ukraine's Kharkiv amid the war initiated by Russia. "We do not know if this basement is enough for us to survive. We urge the Government of India to try to evacuate us," a student said. Several videos of the incident showing the Indian students in the basement in Ukraine were shared on social media requesting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India to safely evacuate them. Also Read | Why is Russia declaring war against Ukraine? Here’s what you should know Meanwhile, several explosions were heard in the capital city of Ukraine as the Russian special military operation entered the second day, local media reported on Friday. Ukraine's Deputy Interior Minister Yevhen Yenin said explosions over the Kiev were caused by Ukrainian "anti-missile system shooting" a missile out of the sky, CNN reported, noting that the inputs were not independently verified. Separately, Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Kiev was under attack from "horrific Russian rocket strikes." "Last time our capital experienced anything like this was in 1941 when it was attacked by Nazi Germany. Ukraine defeated that evil and will defeat this one. Stop Putin. Isolate Russia. Severe all ties. Kick Russia out of everywhere," Dmytro Kuleba said in a tweet.

Indian students have taken Shelter in the basement of a University in Kharkiv, Ukraine. They are worried as Food, money, essential supply running out. Modi ji 18000 Indians, many of them students, still in #Ukraine. Prayers for the safety of all. #StopWar #RussiaUkraineConflict pic.twitter.com/LnmhK8xUyM — Imran Solanki (@imransolanki313) February 25, 2022

According to US media reports, Russian mechanized forces that had entered Ukraine through Belarus were some 32 kilometers from Kiev. On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized Ukraine's breakaway regions - Donetsk and Luhansk - as independent entities. Later, Putin ordered special military operations "to protect" the people in the Donbas region. Several countries including the UK, the US, Canada, and the European Union have condemned Russia's military operations and imposed sanctions on Moscow. Also Read | Why Russia doesn't want Ukraine want to join NATO | All you need to know -PTC News