KYIV: The evacuation of Indian students from Sumy in Ukraine has been stopped. The Indian embassy said that the evacuation was halted as there were explosions on the way and the journey would not be smooth.

The Indian embassy's move was to relocate students as soon as possible after the Russian military declared a ceasefire. Buses were also provided for this purpose. The embassy was instructed to halt the rescue mission immediately as the students were about to board the bus.

There are reports of ceasefire violations in these areas. The girls were the first to be rescued. Ceasefires were declared in Kyiv, Mariupol, Kharkiv and Sumy. Russia has said the ceasefire will take effect at 12.30 pm Indian time, but the area is still under attack.