Anamika, a student belonging to Edappavoor in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district, was among the passengers on the last flight from Ukraine before the Russian invasion of its neighbour. Recalling her timely escape, Anamika said that she and some other students had booked tickets on the flight that took off from Ukraine on February 23 for India.
“Our flight was at 3.45 and after boarding, we heard that there were explosions at six locations in Kyiv, the country’s capital. But some of our classmates were stranded there as they had reserved their seats on the flights scheduled on February 24 and 25,” she said.
“Nobody expected such a sudden move from Russia and war. Now, my Malayali friends in Ukraine are finding it hard to even find food and water,” said Anamika. Making matters worse, the Internet connection too often gets disrupted, she added.
“After reaching Kerala, I tried to contact all my acquaintances in Ukraine, but have not been successful so far. But, when I contacted the college authorities there, they said everyone was safe,” informed Anamika.
Explaining the events on the days before she left Ukraine, Anamika said, “Everyone felt that war would take place. However, things were peaceful in the area where we stayed. There was some tension only in the border areas of the country and the college authorities told us that there was nothing to worry about.”
Meanwhile, online classes were arranged for many students, Anamika added.
"However, things have now turned bad," she said.
“Most shops selling food items are closed. ATMs have run out of cash,” Anamika pointed out.
