The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged all the Nepalis not to travel to Ukraine except for emergencies after escalating tension between Ukraine and Russia reached a critical point.

The tension has escalated on Ukraine’s border after Vladimir Putin ordered his military to enter the Russian-controlled areas of southeast Ukraine following a decision to recognise the territories as independent states.

Saying that the conflict between the two countries could turn into a war, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested all Nepali citizens in Ukraine to return home by assessing the situation.

“The Ministry has urged all the Nepalis staying in Ukraine to return home by assessing the developing situation and also requested the people not to travel to Ukraine except for emergencies,” read a statement issued by the Ministry on Wednesday.