Three Ukrainian citizens have been rescued by mountain rescuers in Romania's Maramures Mountains after being found severely exhausted near Pop Ivanu Peak, at an altitude of around 1,700 metres.

Axar.az reports, citing Newsweek Romania, that the three had crossed the border from Ukraine and spent seven days travelling through mountainous terrain before being found at a sheepfold.

They were exposed to cold and damp conditions and faced a risk of hypothermia. Rescuers provided them with water, hot tea and food before evacuating them.

The operation was complicated by their inadequate footwear, as they were wearing city shoes and struggled to cross slippery terrain.

The three were eventually handed over to the Valea Viseului Border Police. They did not require further medical assistance.