Ukraine was left with no choice but to defend its land when its neighbor Russia started to invade them. And as time passed by, the war intensified with bombs hurled every day so people were leaving amid fears of a full invasion. One of those people was a third-year computer engineering student at Kharkiv National University named Rishabh Kaushik.
Kaushik was set to fly home to Dehradun, India along with his family who owned a business in Ukraine. Aside from them, he was also set on bringing his beloved dog named Maliboo whom he got from a local resident rescued off the streets. Ever since Kaushik took Malibu in, he promised that he will take care of the dog no matter what happens so there was no question that he would be bringing him home.
But when it was time to leave, Kaushik wasn’t able to get all the necessary clearances needed to bring Maliboo on board the plane with them. So instead of hopping onto the plane with his family, he decided to stay despite knowing the risks. Kaushik also knew that no one would take care of him if he leaves and if anyone did, Maliboo wouldn’t be a priority if attacks went on.
After Kaushik’s family left, Kaushik also tried to liaise with the Indian government in hopes of flying out with Maliboo but unfortunately, things still didn’t pan out. Then the situation got progressively worse in Kyiv and so he proceeded to the Hungarian border attempting to escape Ukraine with Maliboo. The border crossing still continues to operate at full capacity but lines are 1.5 miles to three miles long so it would take some time.
Kaushik’s father hopes that his son and his dog will be able to get out of Ukraine safely and be home with them soon.
Source: Facebook via SJA Alumni Association, Dehradun
