As Ukraine forces advance south, Russia has started evacuating civilians from the Moscow-controlled region of Kherson in southern Ukraine, pro-Kremlin officials said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"In Kherson, the organised movement of residents to the other side of the Dnieper has begun," pro-Russian officials in the town of Alyoshki said on social media, while Russia's Rossiya 24 TV showed images of people waiting to board ferries to cross the river.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kherson-facing-difficult-situation-russian-commander-admits-amid-claims-of-overnight-shelling-by-kyiv-526608">Kherson facing 'difficult' situation, Russian commander admits amid claims of overnight shelling by Kyiv</a>

Earlier, the officials said they planned to evacuate some 50,000 civilians due to a Ukrainian counter-offensive.

"We are expecting to evacuate between 50,000 and 60,000 people to the left bank of the Dnieper," pro-Kremlin official Vladimir Saldo said on the Telegram channel "Solovyov Live".

RIA Novosti news agency reported that evacuations by boat had already begun. It also said that the residents had received text messages, asking them to evacuate "before the Ukrainian army begins bombing". The entire activity is expected to take at least six days, the officials said.

Russia's military commander for Ukraine operations admitted on Tuesday that the situation in the Kherson regions is "difficult" and Russian forces were planning a "safe evacuation".

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"The situation in this area is difficult. The enemy is deliberately striking infrastructure and residential buildings in Kherson," Sergei Surovikin, the Russian air force general now commanding Russia's invasion forces, told the state-owned Rossiya 24 news channel.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/annexed-ukrainian-regions-under-nuclear-protection-as-rest-of-russia-says-kremlin-526466">Annexed Ukrainian regions under nuclear protection as rest of Russia, says Kremlin</a>

"The Russian army will above all ensure the safe evacuation of the population of Kherson," he said. "As a whole, the situation in the special military operation zone can be described as tense."

The city of Kherson and the surrounding region were captured by Russian forces at the beginning of the conflict. Moscow "annexed" three other Ukrainian regions after conducting referendums that were termed&nbsp;"sham" by the West. Ukraine's counter-offensive in the south has been making things tough for Russian forces. Ukrainian strikes have targeted bridges to the left bank to disrupt supply lines.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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As Ukraine forces advance south, Russia has started evacuating civilians from the Moscow-controlled region of Kherson in southern Ukraine, pro-Kremlin officials said on Wednesday.

As Ukraine forces advance south, Russia has started evacuating civilians from the Moscow-controlled region of Kherson in southern Ukraine, pro-Kremlin officials said on Wednesday. "In Kherson, the organised movement of residents to the other side of the Dnieper has begun," pro-Russian officials in the town of Alyoshki said on social media, while Russia's Rossiya 24 TV showed images of people waiting to board ferries to cross the river. Also Read | Kherson facing 'difficult' situation, Russian commander admits amid claims of overnight shelling by Kyiv Earlier, the officials said they planned to evacuate some 50,000 civilians due to a Ukrainian counter-offensive. "We are expecting to evacuate between 50,000 and 60,000 people to the left bank of the Dnieper," pro-Kremlin official Vladimir Saldo said on the Telegram channel "Solovyov Live". RIA Novosti news agency reported that evacuations by boat had already begun. It also said that the residents had received text messages, asking them to evacuate "before the Ukrainian army begins bombing". The entire activity is expected to take at least six days, the officials said. Russia's military commander for Ukraine operations admitted on Tuesday that the situation in the Kherson regions is "difficult" and Russian forces were planning a "safe evacuation". × "The situation in this area is difficult. The enemy is deliberately striking infrastructure and residential buildings in Kherson," Sergei Surovikin, the Russian air force general now commanding Russia's invasion forces, told the state-owned Rossiya 24 news channel. Also Read | Annexed Ukrainian regions under nuclear protection as rest of Russia, says Kremlin "The Russian army will above all ensure the safe evacuation of the population of Kherson," he said. "As a whole, the situation in the special military operation zone can be described as tense." The city of Kherson and the surrounding region were captured by Russian forces at the beginning of the conflict. Moscow "annexed" three other Ukrainian regions after conducting referendums that were termed "sham" by the West. Ukraine's counter-offensive in the south has been making things tough for Russian forces. Ukrainian strikes have targeted bridges to the left bank to disrupt supply lines. (With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin-installed officials begin evacuating civilians from Kherson region of Ukraine

Ukraine said Monday it was pausing evacuations of civilians from war-scarred regions of the country because intelligence reports suggested invading Russian troops were planning attacks on humanitarian routes.

"Our intelligence has reported possible provocations by the occupiers on routes of humanitarian corridors. Therefore, for reasons of public safety, we are not opening humanitarian corridors today," Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said in a statement on social media.

With its aspirations for a quick victory dashed by a stiff Ukrainian resistance, Russia has increasingly focused on grinding down Ukraine’s military in the east in the hope of forcing Kyiv into surrendering part of the country’s territory to possibly end the war.

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The bulk of the Ukrainian army is concentrated in eastern Ukraine, where it has been locked up in fighting with Moscow-backed separatists in a nearly eight-year conflict. If Russia succeeds in encircling and destroying the Ukrainian forces in the country’s industrial heartland called Donbas, it could try to dictate its terms to Kyiv and, possibly, attempt to split the country in two.

The mayor of Mariupol said on Monday all civilians must be evacuated from the encircled Ukrainian city to allow them to escape a humanitarian catastrophe.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/head-of-ukraines-luhansk-separatist-region-says-it-may-vote-to-join-russia-466100" hreflang="en">Head of Ukraine's Luhansk separatist region says it may vote to join Russia</a>

Mayor Vadym Boichenko said 160,000 civilians were still trapped in the southern port city on the Sea of Azov without heat and power after weeks of Russian bombardment.

He said 26 buses were waiting to evacuate civilians from Mariupol, which normally has a population of about 400,000 people, but Russian forces had not agreed to give them safe passage. He did not say where they were waiting.

"The situation in the city remains difficult. People are beyond the line of humanitarian catastrophe," Boichenko said on national television. "We need to completely evacuate Mariupol."

He added: "The Russian Federation is playing with us. We are in the hands of the invaders."

Russia, which invaded Ukraine on February&nbsp;24, denies targeting civilians and blames Ukraine for the repeated failure to agree on safe corridors for trapped civilians. President Vladimir Putin says Russian forces are on a special operation to demilitarise and "denazify" Ukraine.

Mariupol is widely seen as a strategic prize for the Russian invaders to create a bridge between Crimea, annexed by Moscow in 2014, and two separatist enclaves in eastern Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Ukraine said Monday it was pausing evacuations of civilians from war-scarred regions of the country because intelligence reports suggested invading Russian troops were planning attacks on humanitarian routes.

Ukraine said Monday it was pausing evacuations of civilians from war-scarred regions of the country because intelligence reports suggested invading Russian troops were planning attacks on humanitarian routes. "Our intelligence has reported possible provocations by the occupiers on routes of humanitarian corridors. Therefore, for reasons of public safety, we are not opening humanitarian corridors today," Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said in a statement on social media. With its aspirations for a quick victory dashed by a stiff Ukrainian resistance, Russia has increasingly focused on grinding down Ukraine’s military in the east in the hope of forcing Kyiv into surrendering part of the country’s territory to possibly end the war. The bulk of the Ukrainian army is concentrated in eastern Ukraine, where it has been locked up in fighting with Moscow-backed separatists in a nearly eight-year conflict. If Russia succeeds in encircling and destroying the Ukrainian forces in the country’s industrial heartland called Donbas, it could try to dictate its terms to Kyiv and, possibly, attempt to split the country in two. The mayor of Mariupol said on Monday all civilians must be evacuated from the encircled Ukrainian city to allow them to escape a humanitarian catastrophe. Also read | Head of Ukraine's Luhansk separatist region says it may vote to join Russia Mayor Vadym Boichenko said 160,000 civilians were still trapped in the southern port city on the Sea of Azov without heat and power after weeks of Russian bombardment. He said 26 buses were waiting to evacuate civilians from Mariupol, which normally has a population of about 400,000 people, but Russian forces had not agreed to give them safe passage. He did not say where they were waiting. "The situation in the city remains difficult. People are beyond the line of humanitarian catastrophe," Boichenko said on national television. "We need to completely evacuate Mariupol." He added: "The Russian Federation is playing with us. We are in the hands of the invaders." Russia, which invaded Ukraine on February 24, denies targeting civilians and blames Ukraine for the repeated failure to agree on safe corridors for trapped civilians. President Vladimir Putin says Russian forces are on a special operation to demilitarise and "denazify" Ukraine. Mariupol is widely seen as a strategic prize for the Russian invaders to create a bridge between Crimea, annexed by Moscow in 2014, and two separatist enclaves in eastern Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine cites Russian 'provocations' for pausing evacuations of civilians

Slovak Republic's state secretary Martin Klus has said that cooperation with India will continue amid the Ukraine war while emphasising on the role played by his country in the evacuation of many Indians.

Many Indians were evacuated from the Slovak Republic as they crossed over from war-torn Ukraine.

Speaking to WION’s Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, state secretary of the ministry of foreign and European affairs of the Slovak Republic, Klus said, “Slovakia has taken extraordinary measures to facilitate the entry of Indian nationals who were fleeing Ukraine. We have also extended maximum support to all repatriated Indians from Slovakia in the last few days. "

Slovakia, along with Poland, Romania, Hungary and Moldova, has&nbsp;played a key role in housing stranded Indians. Under India's ‘Operation Ganga’,&nbsp;ministerial-level envoy Kiren Rijiju was sent to oversee the evacuation from Slovakia, and PM Modi held talks with Slovakia's PM Heger.

Over 20,000 Indians have left Ukraine since the Russian invasion of the country that started in February.

On the Russian invasion, Klus, who is one of the top diplomats of the country, said, "We are facing the greatest security crisis in decades. The threat to Ukraine is a threat to Europe. The unity of the West is of utmost importance. It makes the Russian regime increasingly nervous when considering the calibration of our response towards Russia – the interruption/termination of cooperation."

WION: How is Slovakia helping in the evacuation of Indian citizens from Ukraine?

Martin Klus: The Slovak Republic allows entry to all nationalities coming from Ukraine, even those not complying with entry conditions under regular circumstances. Our ties with India strengthened further recently during the evacuation of Indian nationals from Ukraine via Kosice.

&nbsp;

WION: What kind of coordination has been happening between the 2 countries in terms of political engagement in the aftermath of the war?

Martin Klus: There is no particular future scenario in cooperation with India in terms of political engagement in the aftermath of the war. We must cooperate with India now in the war situation.

Slovakia has taken extraordinary measures to facilitate the entry of Indian nationals, fleeing Ukraine. &nbsp;We have also extended maximum support to all repatriated Indians from Slovakia in the last few days. We stand together with India as friends and partners, and we will give continuous support to Indian nationals in the coming days as well.

These assurances were given by our PM E Heger to Indian PM Modi during their telephonic conversation on February 28. On the other hand, we would like to appeal to all countries to engage against the war and support the UN resolutions, reject illegal Russian actions and express support for territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty.

Slovakia and India are both are fully subscribed to the core principles enshrined in the UN Charter, notably the sovereign equality and territorial integrity of States; the inviolability of internationally recognised borders; refraining from the threat or use of force; and the freedom of States to choose or change their own security arrangements.

These principles are neither negotiable nor subject to revision or re-interpretation.

&nbsp;

WION: How catastrophic has been the Russian invasion of Ukraine for Europe and your country. Especially in terms of refugee influx in your country?

Martin Klus: We are facing the greatest security crisis in decades. The threat to Ukraine is a threat to Europe. Slovakia strongly condemns the armed attack by the Russian Federation on Ukraine. Russia violated the territorial integrity of sovereign Ukraine. This of course brought war back to Europe and brought back very sad images that we thought were forgotten. &nbsp;I sincerely think that Russia’s aggression created a significant shift in European history.

On the one hand, it not only triggered unity amongst European allies, but it also re-connected the democratic world. On the other hand, Ukraine is our neighbour, and it needs our comprehensive support and full-fledged assistance.

Currently, we are seeing an influx of more than 150 000 refugees at our borders. However, we expect the situation to deteriorate. Slovakia is fully aware of this, and we will deliver. Our government has already approved three packages of military assistance worth €8.7 mn and humanitarian aid. We will continue to do our utmost. &nbsp;A humanitarian disaster in Ukraine must be prevented. This is of key importance.

&nbsp;

WION: What efforts Slovakia has been leading to deal with Russia. We have seen sanctions against Putin. How effective they will be?

Martin Klus: The unity of the West is of utmost importance, and it is unprecedented. It works and makes the Russian regime increasingly nervous. When considering the calibration of our response towards Russia – the interruption/termination of cooperation – I understand that when the forest is cut down, branches fly. We have successfully voted against Russia at the UNGA resolution. Russia is still intensively reaching out to countries.

Slovakia was among the countries that appealed to the ICC prosecutor to launch an investigation concerning crimes related to the ongoing conflict. The perpetrators must be brought to justice. We are also imposing heavy and effective sanctions on Russian assets through various European Union mechanisms. I´m very happy that we have targeted not only Russian financial assets, but also persons directly connected to the invasion. Furthermore, we have been able to shut down transmission from Russian channels spreading disinformation and lies.

&nbsp;

WION: How do you see the situation panning out? In terms of its impact in the region.

Martin Klus: Right now, all I can say is that it is very hard to make a prediction of Putin´s aggression and plans. Firstly, we are doing our best with offering the best services to refugees coming to Slovakia from Ukraine. We are in full solidarity with Ukrainians, and we hope the senseless aggression will stop as soon as possible.

Secondly, the Russian aggression only reaffirms the importance of strengthening our defence capabilities. The European Parliament has voted to set up a European Defence Fund, and the member states have created the European Peace Facility that is mobilising to provide weapons to Ukraine. In the coming weeks, the European Council will adopt the Strategic Compass. With the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, we must amplify our reflection, adjust our means and anticipate our responses. It is no longer a luxury, it’s an urgent necessity.

Slovak Republic's state secretary Martin Klus has said that cooperation with India will continue amid the Ukraine war while emphasising on the role played by his country in the evacuation of many Indians.

Slovak Republic's state secretary Martin Klus has said that cooperation with India will continue amid the Ukraine war while emphasising on the role played by his country in the evacuation of many Indians. Many Indians were evacuated from the Slovak Republic as they crossed over from war-torn Ukraine. Speaking to WION’s Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, state secretary of the ministry of foreign and European affairs of the Slovak Republic, Klus said, “Slovakia has taken extraordinary measures to facilitate the entry of Indian nationals who were fleeing Ukraine. We have also extended maximum support to all repatriated Indians from Slovakia in the last few days. " Slovakia, along with Poland, Romania, Hungary and Moldova, has played a key role in housing stranded Indians. Under India's ‘Operation Ganga’, ministerial-level envoy Kiren Rijiju was sent to oversee the evacuation from Slovakia, and PM Modi held talks with Slovakia's PM Heger. Over 20,000 Indians have left Ukraine since the Russian invasion of the country that started in February. On the Russian invasion, Klus, who is one of the top diplomats of the country, said, "We are facing the greatest security crisis in decades. The threat to Ukraine is a threat to Europe. The unity of the West is of utmost importance. It makes the Russian regime increasingly nervous when considering the calibration of our response towards Russia – the interruption/termination of cooperation." WION: How is Slovakia helping in the evacuation of Indian citizens from Ukraine? Martin Klus: The Slovak Republic allows entry to all nationalities coming from Ukraine, even those not complying with entry conditions under regular circumstances. Our ties with India strengthened further recently during the evacuation of Indian nationals from Ukraine via Kosice. WION: What kind of coordination has been happening between the 2 countries in terms of political engagement in the aftermath of the war? Martin Klus: There is no particular future scenario in cooperation with India in terms of political engagement in the aftermath of the war. We must cooperate with India now in the war situation. Slovakia has taken extraordinary measures to facilitate the entry of Indian nationals, fleeing Ukraine. We have also extended maximum support to all repatriated Indians from Slovakia in the last few days. We stand together with India as friends and partners, and we will give continuous support to Indian nationals in the coming days as well. These assurances were given by our PM E Heger to Indian PM Modi during their telephonic conversation on February 28. On the other hand, we would like to appeal to all countries to engage against the war and support the UN resolutions, reject illegal Russian actions and express support for territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty. Slovakia and India are both are fully subscribed to the core principles enshrined in the UN Charter, notably the sovereign equality and territorial integrity of States; the inviolability of internationally recognised borders; refraining from the threat or use of force; and the freedom of States to choose or change their own security arrangements. These principles are neither negotiable nor subject to revision or re-interpretation. WION: How catastrophic has been the Russian invasion of Ukraine for Europe and your country. Especially in terms of refugee influx in your country? Martin Klus: We are facing the greatest security crisis in decades. The threat to Ukraine is a threat to Europe. Slovakia strongly condemns the armed attack by the Russian Federation on Ukraine. Russia violated the territorial integrity of sovereign Ukraine. This of course brought war back to Europe and brought back very sad images that we thought were forgotten. I sincerely think that Russia’s aggression created a significant shift in European history. On the one hand, it not only triggered unity amongst European allies, but it also re-connected the democratic world. On the other hand, Ukraine is our neighbour, and it needs our comprehensive support and full-fledged assistance. Currently, we are seeing an influx of more than 150 000 refugees at our borders. However, we expect the situation to deteriorate. Slovakia is fully aware of this, and we will deliver. Our government has already approved three packages of military assistance worth €8.7 mn and humanitarian aid. We will continue to do our utmost. A humanitarian disaster in Ukraine must be prevented. This is of key importance. WION: What efforts Slovakia has been leading to deal with Russia. We have seen sanctions against Putin. How effective they will be? Martin Klus: The unity of the West is of utmost importance, and it is unprecedented. It works and makes the Russian regime increasingly nervous. When considering the calibration of our response towards Russia – the interruption/termination of cooperation – I understand that when the forest is cut down, branches fly. We have successfully voted against Russia at the UNGA resolution. Russia is still intensively reaching out to countries. Slovakia was among the countries that appealed to the ICC prosecutor to launch an investigation concerning crimes related to the ongoing conflict. The perpetrators must be brought to justice. We are also imposing heavy and effective sanctions on Russian assets through various European Union mechanisms. I´m very happy that we have targeted not only Russian financial assets, but also persons directly connected to the invasion. Furthermore, we have been able to shut down transmission from Russian channels spreading disinformation and lies. WION: How do you see the situation panning out? In terms of its impact in the region. Martin Klus: Right now, all I can say is that it is very hard to make a prediction of Putin´s aggression and plans. Firstly, we are doing our best with offering the best services to refugees coming to Slovakia from Ukraine. We are in full solidarity with Ukrainians, and we hope the senseless aggression will stop as soon as possible. Secondly, the Russian aggression only reaffirms the importance of strengthening our defence capabilities. The European Parliament has voted to set up a European Defence Fund, and the member states have created the European Peace Facility that is mobilising to provide weapons to Ukraine. In the coming weeks, the European Council will adopt the Strategic Compass. With the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, we must amplify our reflection, adjust our means and anticipate our responses. It is no longer a luxury, it’s an urgent necessity.

‘Must cooperate with India now in the war situation’, says top Slovak diplomat Martin Klus

In what can be called a sigh of relief, around 183 Indian citizens, who were stranded in Ukraine, have reached Delhi on Sunday in a special flight. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On Saturday, the flight had departed from Hungary's capital Budapest under ‘Operation Ganga’. It landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport. &nbsp;

The passengers were received by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. He also had a discussion with the students. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pitches-with-france-to-become-rafale-maintenance-hub-459373" hreflang="en">India pitches with France to become Rafale maintenance hub</a>

After Russia's invasion of Ukraine, tensions have risen in the region. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On Ukraine crisis, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also chaired a high-level meeting on Saturday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Union Minister for External Affairs S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary of India Harsh Vardhan Shringla and other top officials attended the meeting. &nbsp;

Under Operation Ganga, over 13,300 people have returned to India so far from war-torn Ukraine, said the Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukrainian-woman-married-in-kashmir-appeals-to-indian-pm-modi-to-ask-russia-to-end-violence-459335" hreflang="en">Ukrainian woman married in Kashmir appeals to Indian PM Modi to ask Russia to end violence</a>

Almost all Indians have left Kharkiv city in Ukraine, said the ministry. &nbsp;

Now, the main focus of the government is to evacuate citizens from the Sumy area. It is challenging due to the ongoing violence and lack of transportation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

'Special envoys' have been deployed by the government to five neighbouring countries, who share a border with Ukraine, to coordinate and oversee the evacuation process of Indian nationals. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In what can be called a sigh of relief, around 183 Indian citizens, who were stranded in Ukraine, have reached Delhi on Sunday in a special flight. On Saturday, the flight had departed from Hungary's capital Budapest under ‘Operation Ganga’.

In what can be called a sigh of relief, around 183 Indian citizens, who were stranded in Ukraine, have reached Delhi on Sunday in a special flight. On Saturday, the flight had departed from Hungary's capital Budapest under ‘Operation Ganga’. It landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The passengers were received by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. He also had a discussion with the students. Also Read: India pitches with France to become Rafale maintenance hub After Russia's invasion of Ukraine, tensions have risen in the region. On Ukraine crisis, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also chaired a high-level meeting on Saturday. Union Minister for External Affairs S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary of India Harsh Vardhan Shringla and other top officials attended the meeting. Under Operation Ganga, over 13,300 people have returned to India so far from war-torn Ukraine, said the Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday. Also Read: Ukrainian woman married in Kashmir appeals to Indian PM Modi to ask Russia to end violence Almost all Indians have left Kharkiv city in Ukraine, said the ministry. Now, the main focus of the government is to evacuate citizens from the Sumy area. It is challenging due to the ongoing violence and lack of transportation. 'Special envoys' have been deployed by the government to five neighbouring countries, who share a border with Ukraine, to coordinate and oversee the evacuation process of Indian nationals. (With inputs from agencies)

Sigh of relief: 183 Indian citizens reach Delhi in special flight under Operation Ganga

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has forced hundreds and thousands, including Nepali nationals, to flee to the neighbouring countries while many remaining stranded in the war-torn country are awaiting instructions to evacuate the country.&nbsp;

The Nepal government has been coordinating with the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) to evacuate its citizens from Ukraine.&nbsp;

The government and the NRNA have recently formed a high-level committee to support the stranded Nepalis. &nbsp;

Chief patron and founder president of NRNA&nbsp;National Coordination Council (NCC)&nbsp;Poland,&nbsp;Bodha Raj Subedi spoke to WION and expressed concerns over the safety of Nepalis in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Subedi said that over 500 Nepali nationals have left Ukraine and moved to various countries, including Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova, among others.

“We got to know that there are 800-900 Nepali nationals in Ukraine, of them more than 500 have moved to different countries. On record, there were only 400 Nepali nationals in Ukraine and later we were told there are more. Many Nepalis moved to Ukraine just before the crisis so there is no record of them but still, we are trying to evacuate them,” Subedi told WION.&nbsp;

He acknowledged that the tense situation in the country is making it difficult to carry out rescue operation.&nbsp;

“There are around 60 Nepali nationals whom we were able to contact still stranded in Kyiv and in other parts of Ukraine. However, we are not aware of others,” he added.&nbsp;

Subedi said many Nepalis do not wish to go home and are rather ready to seek shelter in neighbouring countries.&nbsp;

“I personally guided them from the Ukrainian border to Poland. I provided shelter and food to almost 235 Nepalis and now one-third of them have moved to other countries like Germany. While almost 60 are still with me. There were majorly students and workers and a few families with children,” he added.&nbsp;

Subedi, who has been living in Poland for over 30 years now, said, “We do not have many financial and human resources to help a large number of people. However, we have also helped a few Nigerians and to almost 20 Ukrainians with shelter and food.”

He also confirmed that a Nepali national named Pratap Basnet has joined Ukrainian Army and has decided to fight for the country.&nbsp;

In a video message, Basnet said, “Ukraine is fighting a war against Russia now. As a true patriot I decided to line up on Ukraine's side, in this war to safeguard the sovereignty,” Basnet said, adding, “Ukraine is in dire need of assistance at this time. I am proud to be part of the Ukraine army and fight the war.”

The NRNA Poland has confirmed that the Indian government has rescued two Nepali nationals from Ukraine.&nbsp;

“The Indian government has rescued two Nepali nationals. The Nepal Embassy in Berlin is coordinating with the Ukrainian officials to help and evacuate the rest of Nepalis,” Subedi said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Issuing an advisory, the Embassy of Nepal in Germany, said, “Nepali nationals who are still stranded in Kyiv, Kharkiv or elsewhere in Ukraine and are in contact with the Indian community or individual friends, may join them for evacuation or translocation to the western and southern territory.”

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has forced hundreds and thousands, including Nepali nationals, to flee to the neighbouring countries while many remaining stranded in the war-torn country are awaiting instructions to evacuate the country.

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has forced hundreds and thousands, including Nepali nationals, to flee to the neighbouring countries while many remaining stranded in the war-torn country are awaiting instructions to evacuate the country. The Nepal government has been coordinating with the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) to evacuate its citizens from Ukraine. The government and the NRNA have recently formed a high-level committee to support the stranded Nepalis. Chief patron and founder president of NRNA National Coordination Council (NCC) Poland, Bodha Raj Subedi spoke to WION and expressed concerns over the safety of Nepalis in Ukraine. Subedi said that over 500 Nepali nationals have left Ukraine and moved to various countries, including Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova, among others. “We got to know that there are 800-900 Nepali nationals in Ukraine, of them more than 500 have moved to different countries. On record, there were only 400 Nepali nationals in Ukraine and later we were told there are more. Many Nepalis moved to Ukraine just before the crisis so there is no record of them but still, we are trying to evacuate them,” Subedi told WION. He acknowledged that the tense situation in the country is making it difficult to carry out rescue operation. “There are around 60 Nepali nationals whom we were able to contact still stranded in Kyiv and in other parts of Ukraine. However, we are not aware of others,” he added. Subedi said many Nepalis do not wish to go home and are rather ready to seek shelter in neighbouring countries. “I personally guided them from the Ukrainian border to Poland. I provided shelter and food to almost 235 Nepalis and now one-third of them have moved to other countries like Germany. While almost 60 are still with me. There were majorly students and workers and a few families with children,” he added. Subedi, who has been living in Poland for over 30 years now, said, “We do not have many financial and human resources to help a large number of people. However, we have also helped a few Nigerians and to almost 20 Ukrainians with shelter and food.” He also confirmed that a Nepali national named Pratap Basnet has joined Ukrainian Army and has decided to fight for the country. In a video message, Basnet said, “Ukraine is fighting a war against Russia now. As a true patriot I decided to line up on Ukraine's side, in this war to safeguard the sovereignty,” Basnet said, adding, “Ukraine is in dire need of assistance at this time. I am proud to be part of the Ukraine army and fight the war.” The NRNA Poland has confirmed that the Indian government has rescued two Nepali nationals from Ukraine. “The Indian government has rescued two Nepali nationals. The Nepal Embassy in Berlin is coordinating with the Ukrainian officials to help and evacuate the rest of Nepalis,” Subedi said. Issuing an advisory, the Embassy of Nepal in Germany, said, “Nepali nationals who are still stranded in Kyiv, Kharkiv or elsewhere in Ukraine and are in contact with the Indian community or individual friends, may join them for evacuation or translocation to the western and southern territory.”

Over 500 Nepalis leave Ukraine, others stranded in Kyiv await rescue 

Ukraine said Thursday that a fire raging at a munitions depot in the country&#39;s east, which the military blamed on an &quot;act of sabotage&quot;, could continue for up to a week.

&quot;We can evaluate everything as the intensity of the fire decreases,&quot; Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman said in televised comments. &quot;This can take up to one week.&quot;

Groysman said 550 emergency workers, medics and police officers had been dispatched to the scene to keep the fire from spreading to nearby populated areas.

However the fire&#39;s reach was still expanding, with the emergency workers unable to contain it.

Earlier in the day the crackling sound of detonations thought to be exploding munitions could be heard from some 20 kilometres (12 miles) away.

The fire broke out overnight in the town of Balakliya at a depot where missiles and munitions were kept, causing them to detonate.

Ukraine&#39;s Chief Military Prosecutor Anatoliy Matios said in a statement that the blaze had been caused &quot;as a result of an act of sabotage.&quot;

Ukraine&#39;s SBU security service said it had opened an investigation into a suspected act of &quot;diversion&quot;, while military prosecutors said they had launched a criminal case into possible &quot;negligence&quot; by servicemen.

Matios said witnesses had heard a sound resembling a drone in flight before the blasts began in Balakliya, which is located some 100 kilometres (60 miles) from the pro-Russian insurgent stronghold of Donetsk.

Defence Minister Stepan Poltorak said authorities were considering the theory that &quot;explosive devices dropped from an unmanned aerial vehicle&quot; could have caused the fire, Interfax Ukraine news agency reported.&nbsp;

As of Thursday afternoon 20,000 people living within a 10-kilometre radius of the depot had been evacuated, presidential spokesman Svyatoslav Tsegolko wrote on Facebook.

He added that there appeared to be no casualties in the explosions.

A 54-year-old woman sustained shrapnel wounds and was transported to a local hospital, the regional police force said in a statement.&nbsp;

Cloud of smoke 
 
Authorities had cut off road access to Balakliya, but locals in Yakovenkove, a village five kilometres north of the town, told an AFP reporter that shrapnel had flown all the way to their homes.

Photographs from the scene published by the emergencies ministry showed thick smoke billowing from the depot, forming a large cloud over Soviet-era apartment buildings.&nbsp;

President Petro Poroshenko has ordered increased security controls at Ukraine&#39;s military facilities, Tsegolko said.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian military has been fighting pro-Russian separatists in the country&#39;s east since April 2014 in a conflict that has killed more than 10,000 people.&nbsp;

The depot in Balakliya housed munitions and arms used by Ukrainian troops fighting the insurgents, according to Ukrainian television.

At least two civilians were killed and eight people injured in a similar incident in October 2015 in the government-held city of Svatove, some 60 kilometres outside rebel-held territory.&nbsp;

Soviet-era military warehouses usually contain large amounts of old weapons and ammunition that sometimes are stored in poor conditions.&nbsp; 
 
(AFP)

The crackling sound of detonations thought to be exploding munitions could be heard from some 20 kms away

Ukraine said Thursday that a fire raging at a munitions depot in the country's east, which the military blamed on an "act of sabotage", could continue for up to a week. "We can evaluate everything as the intensity of the fire decreases," Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman said in televised comments. "This can take up to one week." Groysman said 550 emergency workers, medics and police officers had been dispatched to the scene to keep the fire from spreading to nearby populated areas. However the fire's reach was still expanding, with the emergency workers unable to contain it. Earlier in the day the crackling sound of detonations thought to be exploding munitions could be heard from some 20 kilometres (12 miles) away. The fire broke out overnight in the town of Balakliya at a depot where missiles and munitions were kept, causing them to detonate. Ukraine's Chief Military Prosecutor Anatoliy Matios said in a statement that the blaze had been caused "as a result of an act of sabotage." Ukraine's SBU security service said it had opened an investigation into a suspected act of "diversion", while military prosecutors said they had launched a criminal case into possible "negligence" by servicemen. Matios said witnesses had heard a sound resembling a drone in flight before the blasts began in Balakliya, which is located some 100 kilometres (60 miles) from the pro-Russian insurgent stronghold of Donetsk. Defence Minister Stepan Poltorak said authorities were considering the theory that "explosive devices dropped from an unmanned aerial vehicle" could have caused the fire, Interfax Ukraine news agency reported. As of Thursday afternoon 20,000 people living within a 10-kilometre radius of the depot had been evacuated, presidential spokesman Svyatoslav Tsegolko wrote on Facebook. He added that there appeared to be no casualties in the explosions. A 54-year-old woman sustained shrapnel wounds and was transported to a local hospital, the regional police force said in a statement. Cloud of smoke Authorities had cut off road access to Balakliya, but locals in Yakovenkove, a village five kilometres north of the town, told an AFP reporter that shrapnel had flown all the way to their homes. Photographs from the scene published by the emergencies ministry showed thick smoke billowing from the depot, forming a large cloud over Soviet-era apartment buildings. President Petro Poroshenko has ordered increased security controls at Ukraine's military facilities, Tsegolko said. The Ukrainian military has been fighting pro-Russian separatists in the country's east since April 2014 in a conflict that has killed more than 10,000 people. The depot in Balakliya housed munitions and arms used by Ukrainian troops fighting the insurgents, according to Ukrainian television. At least two civilians were killed and eight people injured in a similar incident in October 2015 in the government-held city of Svatove, some 60 kilometres outside rebel-held territory. Soviet-era military warehouses usually contain large amounts of old weapons and ammunition that sometimes are stored in poor conditions. (AFP)

Ukraine struggles to contain arms depot fire, blames 'sabotage'