Ukraine crisis: Guidelines for all stranded people in Ukraine
Over the past week and Since the beginning of the brutal Russian aggression against Ukraine, Many foreign Embassies in Ukraine have continued to guide their citizens stuck in the eastern European country, after Russia launched a full-scale military invasion. many foreign governments are evacuating nationals, including students, from Romania and Hungary as Ukrainian airspace remains closed.
Barring flight arrangements by the government, Many tourists and students in Ukraine are reportedly on their own and are asked to reach border points. During the last three days, the foreign Embassies, in an advisory, asked nationals to immediately leave the city of Kharkiv and Kyiv, which are come under heavy attack from Russian forces.
Read also: 6 Tips for a Safe Trip.
"Those students who cannot find vehicles or buses and are in railway station can proceed on foot..," the advisory said. They were asked to reach specific points, which were as far as 16 kilometers away.
In this article, we will try to provide some tips and advice for those who are still stuck in Ukraine and who have not been able to leave until now.
General guidelines for all stranded people in Ukraine
- Cities are usually considered key targets during a war situation and this is true for Ukraine, where Kyiv and Kharkiv have been excessively hit. Suburbs or countryside are relatively safer, as military convoys move along large highways.
- Among things to carry, clothes, water bottles, light food, medicines, tissues, and sanitary napkins for women are considered essential. Documents, including passport and now the Covid-19 vaccination certificates, are important.
- Be prepared to walk, and take only as much as you can carry on your back" and try to walk together in a group during traveling on foot, which is a key piece of advice.
- Soldiers from either party must not be approached and by doing so one can put the group in danger.
- The students in Ukraine are told to carry only backpacks and not entire luggage. Heavy bags make walking impossible, considering terrain and weather may often be challenging. (It is just above 0 degrees Celcius in Kyiv)
- Guidelines by government agencies need to be followed and advisories have to be taken seriously as meeting points and shelters usually are equipped with supplies.
- If caught in the crossfire, raise your hands and slowly move away and identify yourself as non-combatant. Running briskly or attempting to hide must be avoided.
- Military posts and government buildings have been under attack in Ukraine, thus they have to be avoided. Schools and other civilian spaces are relatively safer however, there is no guarantee about what can be considered a safe spot.
You can check also: Supporting the integration of IDPs: human rights protection, empowerment and capacity building.
In addition to all of the above, try to benefit from the support and emergency services provided by the official authorities, including the site VisitUkraine.Today.
VisitUkraine.Today
VisitUkraine.Today is being transformed into an information portal for help, where every Ukrainian and foreign citizen will be able to get the necessary information on how to act in a critical situation, where to go, bomb shelter addresses, how to leave the country or evacuate from a dangerous region, etc.
They are in touch 24/7!
Friends, for almost 2 years we have been helping foreign citizens and Ukrainians by providing up-to-date information on the rules of crossing the Ukrainian border. And today, at this difficult time, we continue our round-the-clock work for all of you. We have many requests for information and insurance support and we try to respond as soon as possible.
They have a great App that notifies about danger in certain regions on your smartphone.
Air Alert - mobile app
Install the Air Alarm application to instantly receive an air alert notification in a selected area of Ukraine from the Civil Defense System. With the right settings, the app will loudly alert you to the alarm even in the smartphone's silent mode. The application does not require registration, does not collect personal data or geolocation data.
You can also support them and donate any amount that will help keep the big hotline team going.
They work and will continue to work for everyone who cares about Ukraine!
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Original Article: Ukraine crisis: Here are guidelines for travelling in a combat zone.
