Maldivian students and their families who were in key Ukrainian cities amid escalating tensions with Russia have evacuated to safer areas within the country.

Russia in recent days has stationed more than 100,000 troops on its border with Ukraine, sparking Western warnings of an imminent invasion. The situation had been escalating with many countries including the United States ordering it's citizens to leave the country immediately, as they anticipate a Russian invasion of the country.

Ukraine hosts many Maldivian students studying MBBS, especially in cities such as Kyiv and Kharkiv.

A student studying in Kharkiv revealed to "One" tonight that there are quite a number of Maldivian students in Kharkiv. They also added that since the city was closer to the Russian border, the Ukrainian military, as well as the US Army and British Armed Forces, are currently active in the city.

The student added that the military response has been quite strong with heavy artillery and that a number of Maldivian students and families had evacuated to central cities where it is believed to be reasonably safer to be present at the moment, compared to Kharkiv.

They further noted that the Foreign Ministry began contacting students only after the Maldivian High Commission in Belgium was informed about the evacuations. Any attempts of contacting the Foreign Ministry prior to that were unsuccessful. The Ministry has now informed all Maldivians in Ukraine to register at the nearest High Commission to Ukraine.

When "One" contacted the Communications Director at the Foreign Ministry, Miuvan Mohamed said that the Ministry is closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine and that they are in touch with over 50 Maldivian students located in 2 areas of Ukraine.