Approximately half a million people fled Ukraine to neighboring countries to seek refuge, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Due to the crisis in Ukraine and the escalating tensions with Russia, who has threatened to use nuclear weapons, several Ukrainians and foreigners took refuge in metro stations and shelters for days before fleeing to other neighboring countries.
“The number of refugees from Ukraine who have crossed to Poland, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, and other countries is escalating and is now 368,000,” According to Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for HCR, in a tweet.
Grandi emphasized the significance of neighboring countries keeping their borders open to refugees, noting, “it is now imperative that we share this responsibility in concrete ways.”
UN officials noted that over 280,000 people fled the Ukrainian territory to Poland, while 85,000 crossed into Hungary, over 36,000 into Moldova, just over 32,500 into Romania, approximately 30,000 into Slovakia, and over 300 into Belarus.
The European Union and Switzerland in particular exempt Ukrainian citizens from visa requirements.
Women, children, and the elderly were primarily among those fleeing because Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for Ukrainian men between the ages of 18 to 60 to not leave the country, according to international media.
UNHCR spokesman Chris Melzor said on Twitter that people waited at the Poland-Ukraine border for over 40 hours in the cold at night in queues that extended over 14 kilometers.
As a result of the Russian military operations in Ukraine on February 24, the UNHCR has shown concern about the rapidly deteriorating and alarming situation in the country.
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