Ukraine war: Indian students return to continue education

Kyiv: Russia has not withdrawn from Ukraine but 1,100 Indian students have gone back to the war-torn country to complete their education. Most of them are medical students and were among the 18,000 students evacuated when the attack began a year ago.

India evacuated 23,000 citizens a year ago and has advised them against going back. Students who went back are of the mind that they have no choice but to complete their course if they want to work as doctors. Most of these students are living in the West region of Ukraine which is well within the range of Russian air attacks.

African students have also returned to Ukraine to complete their education and students from other nations are also considering the same.

Speaking to BBC, one of the Indian students said they often wonder if they will be able to finish the course and they cannot sleep when they hear helicopters or planes. "We worry if there is going to be an attack." Air raid sirens that alert about incoming missiles or drone attacks go off four times a day.

The outlet explained that these students want to return to India upon graduating. They need permission from India's medical education regulator National Medical Commission to complete practice in the country. However, the health ministry refused to permit them to study in Indian colleges.

"People keep asking us why we returned to Ukraine. We had to," said a student. Many families have sold and pawned properties to pay the fee for education. If the students do not get to complete the course and practice as doctors, they will lose their money and property. Students also think that their future is uncertain and that if they have to run again, they are on their own.