Bahrain resident tells of ordeal after being trapped in Ukrainian city

TDT | Manama/Kharkiv

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Staff Reporter

Courage and persistence remain the vital words for 23-year-old Ashly Prem, a Bahrain resident, who is trapped in one of the war zones of Ukraine. 

The Indian national, a former student of Asian School and Indian School Bahrain, told The Daily Tribune that she along with her fellow classmates are being sheltered at the subway station in Kharkiv, which "is considered safe from attacks". 

“Initially, I was a bit worried as the loud sounds of explosions rocked Kharkiv. But now if you really ask me, I am not afraid amidst a whole nation facing a huge challenge. 

“We have to summon courage when placed in such situations,” said the fifth-year medical student at Karazin Kharkiv National University. Ashly said the battlefield in Kharkiv has intensified with the Ukrainian forces putting up great resistance against the invading Russians.  

A picture instantly captured on her mobile showed smoke billowing from a neighbouring building after the site was targeted by Russian forces. “These scenes are horrifying and the victims are innocent people, who have nothing to do with politics. We want this fight to end and peace set in soon.”  

She said Ukrainians are the most gentle people. “We are one and there is no discrimination between the citizens and foreigners.” Ashly thanked the Ukrainian authorities for regularly offering food, water and other requirements to those sheltered at Kharkiv Metro Station. 

“We are in touch with the Indian Mission here through a web link. Evacuating us looks like a hard task for the embassy as this region is located on the eastern side of Ukraine and only has a border with Russia. We are only 40km away from the Russian border.” 

Ashly’s father Preman Kandoth, a long-time resident in the Kingdom, is among the Indian parents having their children in Ukraine, who have sent a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting to bring them home.    

Meanwhile, Kharkiv City Governor yesterday claimed that Ukrainian forces have repelled a Russian attempt to seize Kharkiv after fierce fighting and street battles with advancing Russian troops.

According to Oleh Synyehubov, Ukrainian soldiers were “cleaning up” the eastern city. The governor said Russian soldiers were surrendering in groups of five to 10 and throwing their equipment in the middle of the road.

“Control over Kharkiv is completely ours,” Synyehubov posted on Facebook. “A complete cleansing of the city from the enemy is happening. The Russian enemy is absolutely demoralised.”

Speaking to The Daily Tribune, another Bahrain resident Razzak Mohammed Sheikh said he was worried about the safety of his grandson and daughter-in-law, both Ukrainian citizens from the city of Poltava. “Last night, they were moved into a bunker following a siren. We are worried about their safety.”