‘It came too late’: Chinese students who fled Ukraine criticise embassy response

While Chinese state media praises efficiency of diplomatic mission, stranded citizens tell a very different story

• Ukraine-Russia conflict: latest updates

Immediately after Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February, Yang, a 22-year-old classical music student in Kyiv, called the Chinese embassy in the city to seek help. He tried several times but the line was engaged.

I don't know why the embassy didn't tell us the war was going to break out when other countries advised their citizens to leave days before," he said. Yang then followed his university's emergency protocols and took refuge in a bomb shelter. Days later an escape route began to circulate among his friends. He decided to follow the instruction and flee on his own.