THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Concerned about the safety of thousands of Malayalis, especially students, trapped in Ukraine amidst the Russian military offensive against that country, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday urged the Centre to protect them and make necessary arrangements for their return.

The Kerala CM has written a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar seeking the safe repatriation of Malayalis trapped in Ukraine.

The CM, in his letter, stated that among the Indian students there, 2,320 were from Kerala and many were staying back as they do not want a break in their studies.

''I am writing this letter to request the kind intervention of your good self with the authorities in that country for ensuring the safety of our students. I also request your kind intervention to make necessary arrangements for their return by arranging special flights,'' Vijayan said.