Edinburgh students studying abroad in Russia have been ordered to return home immediately after Vladimir Putin launched a ‘full-scale invasion’ of Ukraine.
Bosses at the University of Edinburgh have suspended “all programs” in the country and cautioned those affiliated with the institution to “make arrangements to return home” following the wide-ranging attack by the Kremlin on its neighbouring state.
An email seen by Edinburgh Live demands students “proceed with…leaving Russia with immediate effect.”
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First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Putin must face the "severest consequences" for his "unprovoked aggression" as she condemned Russia's "appalling and horrific" actions.
Explosions could be heard in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv shortly after a televised address from the Russian leader, while explosions were also reported in the cities of Odesa and Kharkiv.
The University of Edinburgh has exchange and year abroad partnerships with equivalents in Moscow, St Petersburg and Novisibirsk.
A memo sent to students on Thursday morning read: “In light of the escalating situation between Russia and the Ukraine, the University of Edinburgh has taken the decision to suspend all programmes in Russia for the time being.
“As a result, the University of Edinburgh requires you to make arrangements for your immediate return home.
“I understand that some of you may be disappointed not to be able to continue your studies in Russia but I hope you can understand that – as your home institution – we are responsible for your safety and have to make a decision now, which prioritises your health and wellbeing."
It added: “Therefore, we are instructing all students currently in Russia to proceed with immediate effect and make arrangements to leave Russia in as short a space of time as possible.
“Please start making travel plans to return home/to the UK and repatriate your belongings.”
Mr Putin insisted in his address, early on Thursday morning, that his action was in response to threats from Ukraine, claiming that Russia was not seeking to occupy Ukraine and insisting the responsibility for bloodshed lay with the Ukrainian "regime".
He also warned other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to "consequences they have never seen".
Ms Sturgeon tweeted that the overnight developments in Ukraine "however anticipated - are appalling and horrific".
She stated: "The Kremlin must face the severest consequences for this unprovoked aggression.
"And the world must stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine."
