As tensions escalated, a special Air India flight left for Ukraine to pick up Indians

As tensions escalated, a special Air India flight left for Ukraine to pick up Indians.

An Air India special flight left for Ukraine this morning to pick up Indians stranded in the former Soviet Union amid rising tensions between Russia and the West. The Dreamliner P-787, which has more than 200 seats, has been used for special operations, ANI news agency reported. Landing in Delhi tonight. More than 20,000 Indian students and nationals live in various parts of Ukraine.

#FlyAI : Air India will operate 3 flights between India-Ukraine (Boryspil International Airport) India on 22nd, 24th & 26th FEB 2022

Booking open through Air India Booking offices, Website, Call Centre and Authorised Travel Agents.@IndiainUkraine

— Air India (@airindiain) February 18, 2022

Air India announced on February 18 that it would launch three Vande Bharat Mission  (VBM) flights between India and Ukraine, a day after the Indian government lifted restrictions on flights to and from Ukraine under the air bubble scheme. These were scheduled for February 22, 24 and 26. Flights will work to Boryspil International Airport, Ukraine's largest airport.

Official sources said that India on Sunday asked the family members of its embassy staff in Ukraine to return home and advised citizens who do not need to leave the country temporarily in view of the rising tensions and uncertainty.

"Given the ongoing tensions and uncertainties in Ukraine, not all Indian nationals staying there are considered essential and all Indian students are advised to leave Ukraine temporarily," the embassy said.

"Indian students are advised to contact their respective student contractors for updates on charter flights, and follow the embassy's Facebook, website and Twitter," the embassy said.

Meanwhile, at an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Tuesday, India expressed "deep concern" over escalating tensions on the Russia-Ukraine border. India told the UNSC that the immediate priority was to defuse tensions in the interests of the "legitimate" security interests of all countries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday signed decrees recognizing the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics of Ukraine as independent, raising tensions in the region and raising fears of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Putin has also ordered troops into eastern Ukraine, known as the Kremlin's "peacekeeping mission."

The United Nations Security Council is holding an emergency meeting today at the request of Ukraine, the United States, 5 European countries and Mexico.

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