Russia-Ukraine crisis: Came to Ukraine for studies, Indian student now taking combat training | Ground report
Amid the Ukraine-Russia crisis and the fear of possible war, India Today spoke to Sai, an Indian student in Ukraine, who is undergoing combat training. Sai is now part of the Georgian Legion, undergoing training in Kyiv.
Ukrainian civilians are undergoing combat training as the threat of a Russian invasion looms large. Among them is an Indian student who has now joined the Georgian National Legion, a paramilitary unit of volunteers fighting on the side of Ukraine.
Sai, an aerospace engineering student and a native of Tamil Nadu, is part of the Georgian Legion undergoing combat training in Kyiv.
Speaking to India Today, Sai said he joined the legion three days ago and is currently involved in basic tactics, survival and medical training. It depends on Russia, said Sai on the question of war impacting his education.
"I always wanted to join the Army. But then I came here. Now, I have many friends and family," Sai said.
READ | Indians asked to return home amid threat of Ukraine invasion by Russia
Meanwhile, Private William is a US war veteran and combat medic who came to Ukraine to join the militia and fight at the border. He is specialised in casualty evacuation and combat medicine.
"I wanted to help defend Ukraine," William told India Today.
#Ukraine forces on alert as invasion risk looms; @Gauravcsawant brings this ground report from #Kyiv#7at7 | @preetichoudhry
Full show: https://t.co/exBV8WcrtF pic.twitter.com/YDYUAmrZLK — IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) February 18, 2022
There are at least 100 local residents and people from other countries such as Britain and some from former Soviet Union countries trained or undergoing training at the camp. They said that their aim is to ensure that the last line of defence is maintained at the border.
The Indian mission in Ukraine has asked Indian students, especially those whose stay is not essential, to return to India. Those who would remain behind in Ukraine have to stay in touch with the embassy.
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