Ukraine Russia war: stranded Indian doctor refuses to leave sans pet jaguar and panther

An Indian doctor, Girikumar Patil, in war-torn Ukraine has been holed up in a basement at home with his pet big cats - a black panther and a jaguar.

The doctor bought the two cats from the Kyiv zoo about 20 months ago and is adamant upon not leaving the country without the cats.

Patil has lived for over 6 years in a small town located in the eastern Ukraine and after the war began, he has been stepping out of his cramped basement just to buy food for his cats.

At a time when people are scrambling for food and water, Patil bought 23kg of sheep, turkey and chicken from neighbouring villages at four times the usual price.

Also watch: Ukraine War: Russia declares ceasefire in 4 cities to allow evacuations

Describing the situation in the region, Patil said that he is stuck in a war zone and is really worried. His parents have been calling and asking him to come home but he said he can't leave the animals.

Patil, who hails from Andhra Pradesh, said that he spent $35,000 to buy the cats from Kyiv zoo about 20 months ago.