Oxford University students are fleeing Ukraine after entering the country on Wednesday to film a documentary, despite the Foreign Office telling UK nationals to evacuate the country two weeks before.
Anas Dayeh arrived in Ukraine on Wednesday along with two other Oxford students Amie Leighton and Leo Buckley, Cherwell reports.
ALSO READ: West Ukrainian Oxford student shares the situation back home
Anas tweeted yesterday: "Early on Wednesday morning, 2 other UK citizens and I have decided to go to #Kyiv, #Ukraine. Looking back at it, it may not have been the wisest decision. But we have so much love for the country and it’s people. The situation currently is very scary."
In a follow up to the now-deleted tweet, Dayeh wrote in a thread: "I was in Ukraine on Wednesday on a planned trip to assist with the filming of a documentary on conflict resolution and self determination.
"Those who know me will know how important this was to me. As a Palestinian, sharing the impact of war on people’s lives is what drives me
"I was due to leave Ukraine on Thursday morning. We are leaving independently via our planned route and not using an evacuation service. I am safe."
I was in Ukraine on Wednesday on a planned trip to assist with the filming of a documentary on conflict resolution and self determination.
— Anas Dayeh (@anasdayehh) February 24, 2022
Those who know me will know how important this was to me. As a Palestinian, sharing the impact of war on people’s lives is what drives me /1
ALSO READ: Oxford Ukrainians fear for families back home
His tweets were met with some outrage but also concern.
FCDO advice still applied.
— Krissie 🇺🇦 (@krissiepolcom) February 24, 2022
The country has been bright red, marked, "AGAINST ALL TRAVEL," for quite a good time.
Don't come running to us crying about having to pay and bribe your way out of UA when you and the Government knew it was going to become an imminent warzone.
Labour MP for Ilford North Wes Streeting replied saying: "Take care of yourself and get home safe."
Liam Martin-Lane tweeted: "Please stay safe Anas, sending you our support and thoughts."
The Foreign Office advised British nationals to leave Ukraine “immediately” on February 11.
A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said at the time: "The safety and security of British nationals is our top priority, which is why we have updated our travel advice. We urge British nationals in Ukraine to leave now via commercial means while they remain available."
The Government foreign travel advice to Ukraine says that following the introduction of martial law yesterday in Ukraine, British nationals should follow the advice of the Ukrainian authorities while they remain in Ukraine.
According to Cherwell, the students have since arrived in Romania.
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