Trapped In Ukraine, Economic Implications and Reactions

The world remains on edge, after the Russians invaded Ukraine, capturing headlines globally. Sweeping new sanctions have been imposed, but Russia’s assault continues. The conversation around the evacuation of Jamaican students, caught in the aggression in Ukraine has intensified.

The government’s loan assistance was rejected by some. The Russian attack on Ukraine has officially started and as it stands, our news team can confirm at least five Jamaican students have had to take refuge in an underground bunker in Kharkiv in the north-eastern section of the country. 

CVM LIVE understands there’s now a sixteen-hour Marshall lockdown in the city and hundreds of people are being held in several bunkers as the Russian military invades the country. In an exclusive interview with CVM LIVE, one medical student says he’s worried he and the other Jamaicans in his bunker may soon run out of food. 

He says he’s terrified as he’s never experienced anything like this, and although currently safe, he says he needs a way to evacuate the hot spot as soon as possible. 

Meanwhile, CVM LIVE is in receipt of an email sent to the students by the Jamaican consul Thursday morning. An excerpt from that email states “this is a very difficult time and our prayers and thoughts are with you. Please try to stay calm and to support each other where possible. We will stay in contact and we will get through this”. 

This email comes after the Foreign Affairs Minister, Kamina Johnson-Smith announced no student accepted the government’s loan offer to help purchase a ticket for them to return home. The students continue to fear the possibilities of what could happen should they remain in Ukraine. More details in this report:

Reporter: Velonique Bowen