Seven SL students held by invaders in Ukraine since March rescued in Kharkiv region – Zelenskyy

17 September 2022 08:39 am - 41 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Seven Sri Lankan citizens, students of Kupyansk Medical College in Ukraine, who had been held by the Russian soldiers since March were rescued In the Kharkiv region, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

"In the Kharkiv region, investigative actions are continuing in the areas that were liberated from Russian occupation. All crimes of Ruscists are being recorded, and evidence of their guilt is being collected. Torture chambers where civilians of occupied cities and towns were bullied and premises where people, even foreigners, were kept have been found.

In particular, seven citizens of the Republic of Sri Lanka, students of Kupyansk Medical College [were rescued]. Back in March, they had been captured by Russian soldiers and subsequently kept in a basement.

Only now, after the liberation of the Kharkiv region, were these people rescued. They are being provided with proper medical care," Zelenskyy said.

On 15 September, Yevhen Yenin, Deputy Interior Minister, reported that citizens of an Asian country, being peaceful foreign students, tried to leave for territory controlled by the Ukrainian government but were stopped by Russian military personnel, illegally detained, and tortured, the Ukrainska Pravda reported.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 41

Sri Saturday, 17 September 2022 09:18 AM

Children of rich people who don’t get good grades in A/L and even some only studied up to O/L can still become a doctor by studying in private universities in East European countries including Ukraine.The fees is extremely high and if your parents can afford it then nothing can stop you from becoming a doctor. In British hospitals there are many doctors who have studied in such private Universities and working successfully. This shows keeping the entry requirements high for medicine is just a ploy to keep the image of medicine look intelligent.

Mm Saturday, 17 September 2022 09:33 AM

SL students held and tortured ??? And yet our bankrupt SL leaders go kissing A@

KD Saturday, 17 September 2022 10:11 AM

Maybe someday Sri Lankans will stand for the right side of history. Alway pro-villains, dictators, thugs, communists. Pro-Trump, Pro-Putin...

Dieter Ulrich, born in the DDR Saturday, 17 September 2022 11:07 AM

So now you believe Putin is a warcriminal? We will never be a part of the USSR again. The so called communists locked us up behind the iron curtain and Berlin wall for godsake. Victory for the brave Ukrainian army. Slava Ukraini!

Joe Saturday, 17 September 2022 11:16 AM

Very much interesting news. How Srilankan media missed the news of missing students?

Gerard Sunday, 18 September 2022 07:36 AM

You may have some conflicts with USSR/Russia. But don’t expect outsiders, like Sri Lanka, to support you in your crusade against Putin. To quote Nelson Mandela: “Your enemies must not be our enemies”

LankanLover Saturday, 17 September 2022 11:53 AM

Since march? we were not at all aware of this for 6 months, how the media missed to cast this news?

Gert Jan, the Netherlands Saturday, 17 September 2022 12:04 PM

To Joe: that is what I am thinking too. And also how did the Sri Lankan media missed all other warcrimes commited by Russia? Yesterday the news here showed clear pictures of a massgrave of Ukrainian civilians. Some victims hands were tied up. And if you still don't believe this news: talk to the Ukrainian refugees, they will tell you what is going on. Millions of them can not all be lying, right?

Punchi Saturday, 17 September 2022 01:09 PM

Is our army assisting the Russians in these techniques since its is very similar to what happened in our paradise in 2009 when a large number of people disappeared

Fathima Lai Saturday, 17 September 2022 01:11 PM

When Iraq invaded Kuwait, I remember that Iraqi forces let all expatriates including Sri Lankans leave the country. It's not that difficult for Russian forces to differentiate Sri Lankans from Ukrainians.

Marie Saturday, 17 September 2022 01:31 PM

DM how is it that we are hearing this after 6 months?

Mandayan Saturday, 17 September 2022 02:03 PM

Can’t understand the logic of refusing to open a private medical college in Sri Lanka. This will save dollars. Can be opened with a condition that those who are graduating should not take employment in the country as this will stop those who are against this.

stop lying Saturday, 17 September 2022 02:46 PM

Of course, DM will not publish my comment, as always, because only Russophobes are loved here. Zelensky is a criminal, a vile profiteer and a world-famous faker. He doesn't care about his own people and do you believe he cares about Sri Lankan students? hahaha if you like being fooled then you can believe in this nonsense

Sandeera Silva Saturday, 17 September 2022 03:20 PM

DM why are you publishing the narcotic fantasies of a Ukrainian clown? look at his face - do you think he's healthy? Seriously? then take an interview with Sri Lankan students "liberated" from the "evil Russians" if they exist! DM, do you always write about Russians only badly, or are Russians good for you only when they give us oil? Our country has official neutrality to this situation, why are you setting people up with this unverified information? shame on serious media to publish low-grade gossip (of course you will be afraid to publish my comment)

Anura Jayantha Saturday, 17 September 2022 03:21 PM

Is our foreign ministry validating this? This is the first time we hear of missing students? Is western media taking us for a ride and our west appointed president is silent..

Geo Politricks tilts the truth Saturday, 17 September 2022 03:34 PM

A traditional victim during a war is the Truth. We have a Comedian and an Egoist in charge of these two country's at war. West needs to alienate support to Sri Lanka at UNHCR from China Russia Paks etc. So perhaps why the parents in Sri Lanka never missed the kids can be understood now.

Mahesh Saturday, 17 September 2022 03:49 PM

Srilanka need to open up the University education to private sector and educate the young work force in all fields as possible, so that the country can open up more outsourcing opportunities for foreign companies in Srilanka and foreign companies can start investing in Srilanka because of potential work force. Currently most of the young population are not educated to the international standards and most of them currently looking for opportunities in foreign country for jobs such as cleaners, drivers, maids, nursing staff, etc. The current education system should change this current situation in order for Srilanka to flourish in future with potential of more foreign income

Mano Saturday, 17 September 2022 03:50 PM

Gert Jan, Netherlands, you are talking about war crimes committed by Russia when it is in war with neighbouring Ukraine. No one is justifying the Russians. But you white Europeans joined the Americans and flew thousands of miles away to attack third world countries. How many thousand Iraqis , Afghans, Libyans you White Europeans have killed in partnership with Americans. Then what moral right you all have to judge the Russians ? You whites are hypocrites.

Doctor Saturday, 17 September 2022 04:08 PM

@ Sri - The places at various medical schools especially in the UK are very limited. For each vacant place there are between 15 to 20 applicants. Even though many reach the standard and required qualification they miss a place by a hair breath. Thus if they have the means they can go anywhere that accepts them. We don’t complain if our neighbour buys a Mercedes Benz car or a massive house. Not only academic work but non academic work too are necessary. Doctors passing out of universities whether it’s Sr Lanka, India, Pakistan or European countries will have to sit a rigorous qualifying examination and interview in the UK. Please note in every country in this world, you have brilliant students fit to become professionals in any field which they like. The world is very short of medical and nursing professionals.

sss Saturday, 17 September 2022 04:15 PM

Most SL students learning abroad, are funded through corruption by their families

Sokrates Saturday, 17 September 2022 04:18 PM

Now even the last supporters in this country of this tampon-licking bawbag Putin will finally understand that he alone is to blame for the war with the Ukraine and that he is committing terrible war crimes there.

Europa Saturday, 17 September 2022 04:23 PM

There are enough opportunities to find out that Russia is waging a terrible war of aggression against Ukraine and not liberation and denazification

Dee Saturday, 17 September 2022 05:37 PM

Whoa! Don't upset Ww and the revolutionary patriots. they may say it's a western conspiracy!

vithura Saturday, 17 September 2022 07:07 PM

Sri Lankan leaders have a history of backing those in their image who are human rights violators, war criminals, despots, dictators and autocrats.

Roshan Saturday, 17 September 2022 08:38 PM

People here suddenly waking up and questioning the media and the public how they missed reports of torture and mass graves in Russian held territory when SL students are being highlighted. Didn't they keep mum when similar things happened in North and East in our country in broad daylight.

Dilshan Perera Saturday, 17 September 2022 09:34 PM

This is all fake rubbish by an actor claiming propaganda to involve a third country.. No Sri Lankans were in this area since war started. Keep Sri Lanka out of your wargames NATO! We cannot afford such nonsense at this time?

Our statous in SL Saturday, 17 September 2022 09:58 PM

SLStudents are not important but for the editors the local thugs

Gamlath Saturday, 17 September 2022 10:12 PM

Hearing this for the first time ( maybe because no politicians children were involved ) .All the Lankans should protest in front of Wimal Weera ( who sponsored the Russians visit ) house and the Russian Embassy for holding Sri Lankan students hostage in Ukraine.

Punchi Sunday, 18 September 2022 05:31 AM

The Russians are our friends the protect us at the enemy UNHRC. It is difficult to believe that this friend is treating our citizens badly. Maybe like us the Russians don’t understand the meaning of people rights and that torture is not permitted

Gerard Sunday, 18 September 2022 07:27 AM

Sri Lankan news media should not blindly accept statements from Zelensky. Clearly these statements are intended for propaganda purposes. In fact, according to Russian media sources, SL students are held by Ukrainian forces. My point is that SL media (and people) should be more critical when it comes to attempted manipulation by external parties. It’s similar to the Aeroflot airliner debacle of a few months past.

maha Sunday, 18 September 2022 07:37 AM

Pl verify this news because looks like another Aeroflot .. drama Yet no victimized persons info is published, even no local parents were appealed or reported ?

Roisin Sunday, 18 September 2022 10:16 AM

# Sri and Mandayan: don't you think you are both missing the point of this article?

Lankan for country Sunday, 18 September 2022 10:39 AM

@Roisin Those two are airing their views after reading the article. I saw their views and and more meaningful to me than the big show by the Ukrainian ex-actor who cause his nation to be invaded with belligerent talk of joining Nato. The Zelenskyy is like how Namal R continually courts attention. If you have another reaction why don't you speak up?

Gert Jan, the Netherlands Sunday, 18 September 2022 12:42 PM

To Mano: actually I am not white, like a lot of Western people are from a lot of different etnic origins.( In my little country alone already more than 200 different origins) I am mixed race, Surinam father. I have never experienced so much racism as when I was living in Sri Lanka, not even in the USA. You are right though about Western countries interfering in the countries you named. Although European countries were on peacemissions, had different purposes than the USA in those cases. But two wrongs does not make one right, it does not justify Putins actions. Also the take down of the MH17 is still a very painful issue in my country.

Sokrates Sunday, 18 September 2022 01:42 PM

@ Lankan for country. How dare you be so stupid as to compare a brave president to the rat-faced big ned Namal. Every country has the right to join NATO, whether the war criminal and elephant-smelling arse tumor Puntin likes it or not.

Lankan for country Sunday, 18 September 2022 05:24 PM

@Sokrates Our country is not European, in other words not in the North Atlantic, which the NA stands for, for us to join NATO. We don't need Nato in anyway. How do you see NATO as good for our people? . So, you know clearly I think little of Mahinda's son, however maybe you could attempt to enlighten me on what 'big ned' is. As a Sri Lankan I believe that we have more benefit from Russia than we can ever get from Ukraine. I would be happy to support Russia to trample Ukraine with nuclear weapons, if they would just give 1 billion dollars equivalent trade credit for our country. I am sure our elected and national list MP, would be happy to covertly support Russia for far far less commission in their own pockets.

Give right to vote even when overseas Sunday, 18 September 2022 05:49 PM

@Lankan for country There is one good actor who turned MP here - Ranjan R. That man put his heartfelt behaviour ahead of pure political talk and was jailed for speaking the generally accepted truth of our already well paid judiciary. Ranjan R would have better integrity than Zelenskyy. However the Ukrainian elected their president, and we elected Gota.

Always take his talk with grain of salt Sunday, 18 September 2022 07:46 PM

Ukraine soldiers are know to have blocked persons of African and Indian (like our looks) when fleeing towards the west during the initial stage of the war. Some were even UK students trying to get out. I would only believe about this matter once the said youth arrive back and tell their side of the story. I cant believe our ally Russia would knowingly hold our student prisoner if the youth had just stated who they are and put their intention to come back here.

M Fernando Sunday, 18 September 2022 08:17 PM

Are these some of the same students that were prevented by Ukranian Border Guards, from escaping Ukraine and crossing into nearby countries near the beginning of the war ?

Gerard Sunday, 18 September 2022 09:37 PM

SL media and people need to learn that in times of war both belligerent parties use their media sources and supposed statements by politicians to control the narrative and “truth”. One one side you have RT, Sputniknews, Tass, etc. On the other you have BBC, CNN, The UK Guardian, NYTimes, DW, etc. Zellensky’s statement about SL students in Ukraine looks like a typical information operation. Unfortunately, from the initial comments to this article it appears as though he has indeed succeeded in his aims.

Vadivelu Yogaratnam Monday, 19 September 2022 12:33 AM

Srilankan media only publish news for money which Rajapaksa brothers have taught them,

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Seven SL students held by invaders in Ukraine since March rescued in Kharkiv region – Zelenskyy

Comments - 41

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Man who jumped off Sri Pada Uda Maluwa and went missing, found

Two racing drivers arrested over Fox Hill tragedy

Gota fires back at Cardinal, rebuts allegations

Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

Uma Oya Development Project inaugurated

MIRROR CRICKET

Sahan Arachchige to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Sri Lanka to establish new energy sector regulator

Cabinet nod to transfer China-built Mattala airport’s management to Indian, Russian joint venture

Sajith never attends dinners hosted by Ranil Wickremesinghe

One soldier dead, nine injured in road crash

Sahan Arachchige to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’

Dates confirmed for 78th Bradby Shield

SLAS appoints independent committee for investigation

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand