Long lines to withdraw money, people buying groceries, others fleeing from their cars towards the border with Poland are the scenes that the Ecuadorian Erick Pacheco, who lives in Ukraine, saw a few hours ago.
He is in Lviv, commonly known as Lviv, about eight to ten hours from Kiev, the capital of that country. Early on he, along with his other colleagues, was alerted to what was happening: Russia’s military operation towards that country, especially in the Donbas region.
From that moment, Pacheco went to the National Polytechnic School of Lviv, where he studies mechanical engineering, and there he takes refuge. The authorities of that institution showed the students a bunker and in case the situation worsens, they would have to use it.
Foreign Ministry enables emergency channels for Ecuadorians in Ukraine
“There are no more flights, we are waiting for conditions to improve. (They told us) to buy some water, food and have documents on hand, in case we leave the country. We are waiting for the Foreign Ministry to give us information. That they speed up the diplomatic measures and make some kind of agreement so that they give us a humanitarian step. We do not have access to free routes to other countries. Our parents are worried… Here they let us know the bunker in case of a bombardment mild, it’s a bit safe. It is lined with huge concrete walls,” he recounts.
Pacheco calls for calm to the other compatriots, but also to be prepared. He tried to withdraw money from an ATM, but due to the long lines, he no longer had enough.
About 100 Ecuadorians live in that city and they are analyzing, among their options, using the bunker or hiring a private bus to reach the border with Poland. and wait “for them to let us pass”.
According to the Government, in Ukraine there would be 700 Ecuadorians and with some they have already contacted.
President Guillermo Lasso He said that the Foreign Ministry has made contact with the majority of compatriots, facilitating mechanisms for transfers to neighboring countries such as Poland.
Vladimir Putin: What is currently happening is a forced measure, since they left us no other way to proceed
“Innocent lives are at stake. We urge the parties to observe International Humanitarian Law and to ensure the safety and needs of civilians. On our side, we are working to provide support to the more than 700 Ecuadorians who are in Ukraine,” said Lasso.
However, with Neither Erick nor Sebastián Sánchez, another compatriot, have been in contact.
Sánchez lives in Zaporozhye, near the cities of Donetsk and Lugansk where Russia sent its troops, after recognizing the independence of these two regions of Ukraine that have been controlled by pro-Russian groups since 2014.
“We get that news that we all have to leave our houses with belongings and come to college. We are looking for someone who can help us.” said the medical student of the Zaporizhia State Medical University.
In Ukraine there would be 700 Ecuadorians, according to the Government, the Foreign Ministry has made contact with the majority
Sánchez is 24 years old and has been living in Ukraine for three years. He is now in college with other compatriots and foreigners.
He is together with thirteen and fourteen people in a room accommodated for two, maximum three. “These residences are for those who are arriving and since we are all here we are settling in,” he says.
The Ecuadorian awaits a response from the Foreign Ministry, otherwise he would take refuge in a bunker, also located in the basement of the institution.
“The university gave us the asylum and the residence and it has its own bunker, if something were to happen we go underground and we are there. We all want to go to Ecuador, or to another city to get away from danger, but since our Foreign Ministry does nothing about it, then we can’t do anything. Some time ago they added us to some WhatsApp groups telling us to give them our data, information, that if something happens they will be pending. Until now we keep getting the same messages that we are calm, that they are going to be in everything, but they do nothing”, says Sanchez.
His family in Quito is desperate. “My family is worried, sad, crying,” she says.
He agrees with Pacheco in a call for calm, but don’t forget about them.
About 200 Ecuadorians live in Zaporozhye, according to Sánchez, who has a small suitcase where he keeps clothes, medicines and documents. “We are waiting for help,” she says. (I)
Source: Eluniverso
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
