Due to the school's order to stay... 500 Ukrainian students stranded

Recommended to Stay in Dormitories at Universities
Public Transportation Cut Off... Escape Difficult Amid Concerns of Urban Combat

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Minwoo Lee] Due to Russia's invasion, over 500 international students have become trapped in Sumy, a northeastern border city of Ukraine.

The British Guardian reported on the 3rd (local time) that more than 500 Ukrainian international students stayed in the city following the school's recommendation to remain, only to become trapped when Russia's invasion began.

According to the Guardian, the international students staying in five hostels stop what they are doing and simultaneously take refuge in underground temporary shelters whenever they hear explosions or gunfire. As the situation intensifies, trips down to the shelters have become more frequent.

A Nigerian medical student who started studying last month said, "The university told us to stay in the hostel," adding, "If I had known the situation properly then, I would have gone to a neighboring city, but now we are trapped like this."

It is difficult for the international students to evacuate elsewhere. Public transportation such as buses and trains has been suspended. Since urban combat may occur, crossing the border on foot is also challenging.

Most of the international students are Nigerian, and there are also students from Ghana, Ethiopia, Angola, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ireland, India, Lebanon, Turkey, and other countries, the Guardian reported. Ukraine is known for its low tuition and living costs, and since Soviet times, it has maintained strong ties with developing African countries, facilitating active student exchanges.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.