On the day of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, February 24, long queues formed in Kiev to escape. Away from the city, away from the bombs. Now there are those who flee and those who declare themselves ready to welcome the 44 million people who live in Ukraine, one of the most populous countries in Europe. Some have already presented themselves on foot with suitcases at the border with Poland and Hungary. Others have left the cities to join relatives in rural areas, all have avoided taking a plane, a decision that has been confirmed right in light of the occupation of the airports by Russian militias.
Open borders
The Ukrainians who have crossed the border with Moldova today are more than four thousand. Here the government has set up tents and prepared to welcome refugees, Moldovan President Maia Sandu said on Twitter announcing: ” our borders are open to Ukrainian citizens who need safe passage or to stay ”. The government, she added, has set up “temporary reception centers near Palanca and Ocnita”. Meanwhile, Moldova has declared a sixty-day state of emergency.
“Tonight Romania and Poland opened their borders. They let women, children and the elderly pass. There is assistance, help and support for refugees just across the border. There are long queues but we move. Passage with any document proving identity is allowed ”, says Fabio Prevedello, president of the European Association Italy-Ukraine.
Other countries that have shown willingness to welcome, for example Finland: “We must also be prepared for this: I think there will be migrants from Ukraine and of course we must show solidarity also in this perspective”, says Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, on the sidelines of the European Council in Brussels.
In the front row Poland and Hungary but also the United States. The US is ready to accept Ukrainian refugees fleeing Ukraine, said Jen Psaki. The White House spokesperson added that American troops will help European countries transport refugees that the New York Times estimates between one and five million in transit, mostly from Poland.