An Indian student was killed on Tuesday in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, the country’s second-largest city, which was heavily shelled by Russian troops.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MEA) said it was in contact with the student’s family. “It is with deep sadness that we confirm that an Indian student was killed in the shelling in Kharkiv this morning. The ministry is in contact with his family. Our deepest condolences go out to the family,” said MEA spokesman Arindam Bagchi.

Foreign Minister Harsh Vardhan Shringla is summoning the ambassadors of Russia and Ukraine, Bagchi said, reiterating India’s call for urgent and safe transit for nationals remaining in Kharkiv and other conflict-zone cities. “Similar steps will be taken by our ambassadors in Russia and Ukraine,” he added in a tweet.

Read live updates on the conflict between Ukraine and Russia

News of the student’s death came within an hour after the Indian embassy in Ukraine urged its citizens to leave the capital, Kyiv, urgently. “Notice to Indians in Kyiv – All Indian nationals including students are advised to leave Kyiv urgently today. Preferably by available train or other available means (sic),” the embassy said in a statement said in.

The Indian government has embarked on a massive mission to bring back stranded citizens from war-torn Ukraine via neighbouring countries and has sent a senior minister to assist in the evacuation process. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the Indian Air Force to join the evacuation of Operation Ganga even though Air India is operating special flights to bring citizens back.

Russian troops are trying to lay siege to the capital Kyiv and Kharkiv, a Ukrainian presidential adviser said. Reports say a 40-mile convoy of tanks and other vehicles threatens the capital – a tactic embattled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says will force him to fight Europe’s biggest ground war in generations make concessions.

According to the Associated Press, explosions occur frequently in a residential area in Kharkiv, near the Russian border.

The head of the regional administration, Ole Sinihobov, said the administrative headquarters in the city center was also attacked by Russia.

Pictures posted online showed the building’s exterior and interior were badly damaged by the powerful explosion, which also blew part of the roof. The state emergency agency said six people, including a child, were injured in the attack.

At least 11 people were killed and dozens injured in shelling of the city on Monday, Sinehubov said.

The Russian military has denied attacking residential areas, although Associated Press reporters documented ample evidence of shelling of homes, schools and hospitals across Ukraine.

Complete News Source : Hindustan Times