Over 50,000 flee Ukraine after Russian invasion, UN says
The United Nations has said that more than 50,000 people have fled Ukraine since Russia began an invasion of its neighbor earlier this week. The agency further warned that the conflict could force up to five million (50 lakh) refugees to flee to other countries in the European Union. Refugees have mainly crossed into neighboring Poland, Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia.
Why does this story matter?
As per the UN figures, the exodus from Ukraine could become one of the worst refugee crises in recent decades. The world's largest country has launched an attack on neighboring Ukraine after weeks of border tensions over the latter's wish to join the international military alliance NATO. Hundreds have allegedly been killed or wounded in the fighting on both the sides.
50K flee in under 48 hours: UN
"More than 50,000 Ukrainian refugees have fled their country in less than 48 hours - a majority to Poland and Moldova," Filippo Grandi, the head of the UN's refugee agency, said in a tweet. "Many more are moving towards its borders," Grandi further warned. A spokesperson for the agency earlier said that at least 1,00,000 people had fled their homes in Ukraine.
'Nowhere to go'
Ludmila, 30, broke down after reaching Medyka, Poland. Like many Ukrainian men, her husband had to stay back to assist the military action. "We leave all our fathers, men, husbands at home, and it feels like s**t," she told Reuters. "I hope everything will be okay and in one or two weeks, we can return home," another Ukrainian resident told Al Jazeera.
European countries prepare for influx
Poland, already home to about two million Ukrainians, said last month that it was preparing for up to one million new refugees. Authorities there plan to shelter them in hostels, dormitories, and sports facilities. In Moldova, the government deployed temporary placement centers in two towns. Officials in Slovakia lifted all coronavirus-related restrictions and said they would open more border crossings for refugees if needed.
