India asks its Nationals to leave Donetsk, Lugansk regions of Ukraine

India on Friday has asked its nationals, particularly students, to leave Donetsk and Lugansk regions in Ukraine which is presently witnessing frequent violent clashes.

In an advisory, it said that the Indian Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, had evacuated Indian nationals from Donetsk and Lugansk regions in the eastern Ukraine in June 2014.

"The Embassy has since issued regular advisories to advise Indian nationals, especially students, against returning to the region in view of continued hostilities," the advisory said.

"Despite these advisories, our Embassy had learnt that a handful of students had rejoined their educational institutions in Donetsk and Lugansk regions and had urged them directly whenever possible and through urgent advisories posted on the Mission's website to leave these regions immediately," it added.

As per reports, there has been an intensification of shelling and fighting in Donetsk and Lugansk regions over the past few days.

"In view of the deteriorating security situation Indian nationals, especially students, are strongly urged to leave Donetsk and Lugansk at once. Indian nationals are also strongly advised against travelling to these areas," it added.