An unknown number of South African students studying in Ukraine are desperate to return home after thousands of Russian troops invaded the eastern European country two days ago, according to press reports here on Friday.
The reports said the learners were living in fear and taking shelter in subways like their fellow Ukrainian residents in the country.
According to the reports, the students expressed fear the South African government would evacuate diplomats only – and leave them stranded.
They, therefore, requested that they be included in the country’s evacuation plans, the reports added.
While the reports did not cite the number of South African students studying in Ukraine, Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation spokesperson Clayson Monyela has assured them that the government would not evacuate diplomats and leave other citizens behind, according to the reports.
NM/jn/APA