Ukrainian forces were battling Russian invaders around nearly all of the country's perimeter on Thursday
With the Ukranian airspace closed, India on Thursday said it was sending government teams for the land borders of Ukraine to help evacuate 16,000 Indians still stuck in the country that came under Russian attack on Thursday.
Teams of Indian foreign ministry officials have been sent to Ukraine's land borders with Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Romania to provide assistance to any fleeing Indian nationals, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla told a press briefing.
"Over 20 officers are manning the control room 24x7. Russian-speaking officers have been sent to Ukraine. We do all possible to bring the students back," he added.
Ukrainian forces were battling Russian invaders around nearly all of the country's perimeter on Thursday as missiles rained down on cities including the capital Kyiv, in the biggest attack on a European state since the second World War.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin later on Thursday and called for an immediate end to the violence and the resolution of disputes through dialogue.
"The Prime Minister has conveyed ... that the topmost priority of the government is the safety and security of Indian nationals, including Indian students, and their evacuation from Ukraine," Mr Shringla said.
Around 4,000 Indians have already been evacuated since the government set up repatriation efforts a month ago, he added.
Indian government advisories call on Indians to find shelter or if possible to attempt to leave the country by land, he said, after Ukraine shut its airspace and evacuation flights were suspended.
Russia opened military operations against Ukraine this morning after months of tension over Ukraine's proximity to NATO. Mr Putin earlier claimed that Ukraine is a puppet of the West and was never a proper state anyway.
By evening, Russia claimed that its military has destroyed more than 70 military targets in Ukraine, including 11 airfields, 18 radar stations of the S-300 and Buk-M1 anti-aircraft missile systems. At least 68 people -- soldiers and civilians -- were killed, according to an AFP tally from various Ukrainian official sources.
Earlier today, Ukraine Envoy Igor Polikha sought India's intervention, saying, "India is a very influential global player… We are asking for a strong voice of India".