Thousands fleeing Ukraine queue at central Europe border crossings

Reuters
Anita Komuves and Andrew R.C. Marshall
Published Feb 27, 2022  •  4 minute read
Join the conversation
A woman who fled the Russian invasion in Ukraine stands near a fire in Medyka, Poland, Feb. 27, 2022.
A woman who fled the Russian invasion in Ukraine stands near a fire in Medyka, Poland, Feb. 27, 2022. Photo by Bryan Woolston /REUTERS

BEREGSURANY — Thousands of people fleeing war in Ukraine crossed into central Europe on Sunday, with queues at border crossings stretching back for kilometres on the fourth day of a Russian invasion that has pushed nearly 400,000 people to seek safety abroad.

Story continues below

With men of conscription age prevented from leaving Ukraine, mostly women and children arrived at the border in eastern Poland, Slovakia and Hungary and in northern and northeastern Romania. Some pulled suitcases behind while others had only small duffel bags.

At Beregsurany in Hungary, Valeria, a 44-year-old ethnic Hungarian from Ukraine, fretted over leaving her brother and elderly mother behind in her home town of Berehove, eight kilometres from the border into the European Union.

“We would not go if we did not have to. If fate was not forcing us, we would not leave,” her husband Laszlo said. The couple declined to give their full names.

Loading...
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

The exodus will require the EU to prepare for millions of Ukrainian refugees arriving in the bloc, EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said.

Story continues below

Germany has warned against putting up bureaucratic hurdles, while France said EU countries will consider “in the next hours and days” if they need to put in place a resettlement program for Ukrainians fleeing the conflict.

Read More
  1. This photograph taken on Feb. 27, 2022 shows a Russian Armoured personnel carrier (APC) burning during fight with the Ukrainian armed forces in Kharkiv.
    Putin puts nuclear deterrent on alert
  2. Viktor Medvedchuk, leader of Opposition Platform - For Life political party, attends a court hearing in Kyiv, May 13, 2021.
    Pro-Kremlin Ukrainian politician escaped house arrest, Ukraine adviser says
  3. A view shows the first Airbus A350-900 aircraft of Russia's flagship airline Aeroflot during a media presentation at Sheremetyevo International Airport outside Moscow, Russia March 4, 2020.
    Canada and European nations move to close its skies to Russian planes
  4. People lay flowers at the site where late opposition leader Boris Nemtsov was fatally shot on a bridge near the Kremlin in central Moscow on Feb. 27, 2022, on the seventh anniversary of his assassination.
    Russian police detain more than 900 people at anti-war protests: Monitoring group
  5. Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022.
    Trump condemns Russia invasion after praising Putin earlier in week

The UN refugee agency, citing data provided by national authorities, said on Sunday about 368,000 people have fled abroad from the fighting.

Just under half have gone to Poland. At Poland’s Medyka crossing, where 40,000 people have crossed from Ukraine since Thursday, around one hundred women, children and teenagers stood in line waiting to be processed by Polish border guards.

“My message will be very short: It can happen with you, in every home in Europe,” said Sofiia Kochmar-Tymoshenko after crossing into Poland. “Because nobody knows what Putin wants and where he will finish.”

Story continues below
  1. A Ukrainian woman looks out from a damaged building which was hit by a Russian mortar in Mykolaiv, 100 km away from Odesa, western Ukraine on March 8, 2022.
    A Ukrainian woman looks out from a damaged building which was hit by a Russian mortar in Mykolaiv, 100 km away from Odesa, western Ukraine on March 8, 2022.Photo by AFP Contributor#AFP /AFP via Getty Images
  2. A general view of a destroyed bridge in the city of Irpin, northwest of Kyiv, on March 8, 2022.
    A general view of a destroyed bridge in the city of Irpin, northwest of Kyiv, on March 8, 2022. Photo by SERGEI SUPINSKY /AFP via Getty Images
  3. Pedestrians cross a street in front of a billboard displaying the symbol
    Pedestrians cross a street in front of a billboard displaying the symbol "Z" in the colours of the ribbon of Saint George and a slogan reading: "We don't give up on our people," in support of the Russian armed forces, in St. Petersburg, on March 7, 2022. Photo by - /AFP via Getty Images
  4. This video grab taken from a handout footage released by the Russian Defence Ministry on March 7, 2022 shows a purported Russian tank unit advancement in the Kyiv region.
    This video grab taken from a handout footage released by the Russian Defence Ministry on March 7, 2022 shows a purported Russian tank unit advancement in the Kyiv region.Photo by - /Russian Defence Ministry/AFP via
  5. A pedestrian walks amid debris in a street following a shelling in Ukraine's second-biggest city of Kharkiv on March 7, 2022.
    A pedestrian walks amid debris in a street following a shelling in Ukraine's second-biggest city of Kharkiv on March 7, 2022.Photo by SERGEY BOBOK /AFP via Getty Images
  6. A member of the Ukrainian Territorial Defence Forces walks past destroyed Russian military vehicles in a forest outside Ukraine's second-biggest city of Kharkiv on March 7, 2022.
    A member of the Ukrainian Territorial Defence Forces walks past destroyed Russian military vehicles in a forest outside Ukraine's second-biggest city of Kharkiv on March 7, 2022. Photo by SERGEY BOBOK /AFP via Getty Images
  7. This handout picture taken and released by the Ukrainian State Emergency Service on March 7, 2022, shows rescuers dismantling the rubble of a destroyed school after Russian troops shelled the city of Chernihiv.
    This handout picture taken and released by the Ukrainian State Emergency Service on March 7, 2022, shows rescuers dismantling the rubble of a destroyed school after Russian troops shelled the city of Chernihiv. Photo by STR /Ukrainian State Emergency Servic
  8. A resident uses a dustpan and broom (top) to clear the debris from a flat, as another looks out of the destroyed front of a room, in a multi-storey building that was badly damaged as a result of Russian missile explosion after it was shot down over the city by Ukrainian air defence on March 6, in Kramatorsk on March 7, 2022.
    A resident uses a dustpan and broom (top) to clear the debris from a flat, as another looks out of the destroyed front of a room, in a multi-storey building that was badly damaged as a result of Russian missile explosion after it was shot down over the city by Ukrainian air defence on March 6, in Kramatorsk on March 7, 2022.Photo by ANATOLII STEPANOV /AFP via Getty Images
  9. Evacuees cross a destroyed bridge as they flee the city of Irpin, northwest of Kyiv, on March 7, 2022.
    Evacuees cross a destroyed bridge as they flee the city of Irpin, northwest of Kyiv, on March 7, 2022. Photo by AFP Contributor#AFP /AFP via Getty Images
  10. A man holds a child as he flees the city of Irpin, west of Kyiv, on March 7, 2022.
    A man holds a child as he flees the city of Irpin, west of Kyiv, on March 7, 2022. Photo by ARIS MESSINIS /AFP via Getty Images
  11. A Polish volunteer plays with a child in freezing cold temperatures, at the Medyka border crossing in Poland, on March 7, 2022.
    A Polish volunteer plays with a child in freezing cold temperatures, at the Medyka border crossing in Poland, on March 7, 2022. Photo by LOUISA GOULIAMAKI /AFP via Getty Images
  12. Refugees stand in line in the cold as they wait to be transferred to a train station after crossing the Ukrainian border into Poland, at the Medyka border crossing in Poland, on March 7, 2022.
    Refugees stand in line in the cold as they wait to be transferred to a train station after crossing the Ukrainian border into Poland, at the Medyka border crossing in Poland, on March 7, 2022. Photo by LOUISA GOULIAMAKI /AFP via Getty Images
  13. A couple embrace as they stand in front of an evacuation train at the central train station in Odesa on March 6, 2022.
    A couple embrace as they stand in front of an evacuation train at the central train station in Odesa on March 6, 2022. Photo by BULENT KILIC /AFP via Getty Images
  14. A local resident reacts as a house is on fire after heavy shelling on the only escape route used by locals to leave the town of Irpin, while Russian troops advance towards the capital, 24 km from Kyiv, Ukraine, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
    A local resident reacts as a house is on fire after heavy shelling on the only escape route used by locals to leave the town of Irpin, while Russian troops advance towards the capital, 24 km from Kyiv, Ukraine, Sunday, March 6, 2022.Photo by Carlos Barria /REUTERS
  15. A local resident reacts as a house is on fire after heavy shelling on the only escape route used by locals to leave the town of Irpin, while Russian troops advance towards the capital, 24km from Kyiv, Ukraine March 6, 2022. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
    A local resident reacts as a house is on fire after heavy shelling on the only escape route used by locals to leave the town of Irpin, while Russian troops advance towards the capital, 24km from Kyiv, Ukraine March 6, 2022. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
  16. Local residents wait inside a bus as they escape from the town of Irpin, after heavy shelling on the only escape route used by locals, while Russian troops advance towards the capital, in Irpin, near Kyiv, Ukraine March 6, 2022. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
    Local residents wait inside a bus as they escape from the town of Irpin, after heavy shelling on the only escape route used by locals, while Russian troops advance towards the capital, in Irpin, near Kyiv, Ukraine March 6, 2022. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
  17. A Slovak police officer holds a baby as people fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine arrive at a border crossing in Vysne Nemecke, Slovakia, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
    A Slovak police officer holds a baby as people fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine arrive at a border crossing in Vysne Nemecke, Slovakia, Sunday, March 6, 2022.Photo by Lukasz Glowala /REUTERS
  18. People arrive by ferry after fleeing from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, at the Isaccea-Orlivka border crossing, Romania, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
    People arrive by ferry after fleeing from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, at the Isaccea-Orlivka border crossing, Romania, Sunday, March 6, 2022.Photo by Stoyan Nenov /REUTERS
  19. A Polish armed forces member and a woman help another woman sit in a wheelchair as she arrives at a temporary accommodation centre, after fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in Korczowa, Poland, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
    A Polish armed forces member and a woman help another woman sit in a wheelchair as she arrives at a temporary accommodation centre, after fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in Korczowa, Poland, Sunday, March 6, 2022.Photo by Yara Nardi /REUTERS
  20. People fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine rest at the train station in Zahony, Hungary, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
    People fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine rest at the train station in Zahony, Hungary, Sunday, March 6, 2022.Photo by Bernadett Szabo /REUTERS
  21. People take rest inside a temporary accommodation and transportation hub for refugees at a former shopping mall, after fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in Przemysl, Poland, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
    People take rest inside a temporary accommodation and transportation hub for refugees at a former shopping mall, after fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in Przemysl, Poland, Sunday, March 6, 2022.Photo by Fabrizio Bensch /REUTERS
  22. Ex-military man Dennis Kohut, who is working as a firefighter, trains volunteers for territorial defence at the warrior house, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Lviv, Ukraine, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
    Ex-military man Dennis Kohut, who is working as a firefighter, trains volunteers for territorial defence at the warrior house, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Lviv, Ukraine, Sunday, March 6, 2022.Photo by Kai Pfaffenbach /REUTERS
  23. Members of the Ukrainian Territorial Defence Forces Lesia Ivashchenko and Valerii Fylymonov kiss at their wedding during Ukraine-Russia conflict, at a checkpoint in Kyiv, Ukraine, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
    Members of the Ukrainian Territorial Defence Forces Lesia Ivashchenko and Valerii Fylymonov kiss at their wedding during Ukraine-Russia conflict, at a checkpoint in Kyiv, Ukraine, Sunday, March 6, 2022.Photo by Mykola Tymchenko /REUTERS
  24. Ihor Mazhayev, 54, photographed by his destroyed house in Markhalivka, Ukraine, Saturday, March 5, 2022. Ihor lost his wife, 12-year-old daughter and suffered a concussion as a result of a shelling.
    Ihor Mazhayev, 54, photographed by his destroyed house in Markhalivka, Ukraine, Saturday, March 5, 2022. Ihor lost his wife, 12-year-old daughter and suffered a concussion as a result of a shelling.Photo by Anastasia Vlasova /Getty Images
  25. A member of a Territorial Defence unit guards a barricade next to writing saying
    A member of a Territorial Defence unit guards a barricade next to writing saying " Glory To Ukraine" close to the eastern frontline in Kyiv, Saturday, on March 5, 2022.Photo by Chris McGrath /Getty Images
  26. Servicemen of the Ukrainian Military Forces prepare their equipment to repel a tank attack on a position in the Lugansk region, Saturday, March 5, 2022.
    Servicemen of the Ukrainian Military Forces prepare their equipment to repel a tank attack on a position in the Lugansk region, Saturday, March 5, 2022.Photo by ANATOLII STEPANOV /AFP via Getty Images
  27. A Polish police officer carries a child to a bus, after fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, at the border checkpoint in Medyka, Poland, Saturday, March 5, 2022.
    A Polish police officer carries a child to a bus, after fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, at the border checkpoint in Medyka, Poland, Saturday, March 5, 2022.Photo by Yara Nardi /REUTERS
  28. People rest at a refugee reception centre at the Ukrainian-Polish border crossing in Korczowa, Poland, Saturday, March 5, 2022.
    People rest at a refugee reception centre at the Ukrainian-Polish border crossing in Korczowa, Poland, Saturday, March 5, 2022.Photo by Olivier Douliery / Pool /REUTERS
  29. People coming from Ukraine cross the Ukrainian-Polish border in Korczowa, Poland, Saturday, March 5, 2022.
    People coming from Ukraine cross the Ukrainian-Polish border in Korczowa, Poland, Saturday, March 5, 2022.Photo by Olivier Douliery/Pool /REUTERS
  30. A woman offers help to arriving refugees at the Western Railway Station from Zahony after crossing the border at Zahony-Csap as they flee Ukraine, in Budapest, Hungary, Saturday, March 5, 2022.
    A woman offers help to arriving refugees at the Western Railway Station from Zahony after crossing the border at Zahony-Csap as they flee Ukraine, in Budapest, Hungary, Saturday, March 5, 2022.Photo by Janos Kummer /Getty Images
  31. A group of children evacuated from an orphanage in Zaporizhzhia wait to board a bus for their transfer to Poland after fleeing the ongoing Russian invasion at the main train station in Lviv, Ukraine, Saturday, March 5, 2022.
    A group of children evacuated from an orphanage in Zaporizhzhia wait to board a bus for their transfer to Poland after fleeing the ongoing Russian invasion at the main train station in Lviv, Ukraine, Saturday, March 5, 2022.Photo by Kai Pfaffenbach /REUTERS
  32. A man walks in front of a residential building damaged in yesterday's shelling in the city of Chernihiv on March 4, 2022.
    A man walks in front of a residential building damaged in yesterday's shelling in the city of Chernihiv on March 4, 2022. Photo by DIMITAR DILKOFF /AFP via Getty Images
  33. A man learns how to use a Kalashnikov assault rifle during a civilians self-defence course in the outskirts of Lviv, western Ukraine, on March 4, 2022.
    A man learns how to use a Kalashnikov assault rifle during a civilians self-defence course in the outskirts of Lviv, western Ukraine, on March 4, 2022. Photo by DANIEL LEAL /AFP via Getty Images
  34. People remove personal belongings from a burning house after being shelled in the city of Irpin, outside Kyiv, on March 4, 2022.
    People remove personal belongings from a burning house after being shelled in the city of Irpin, outside Kyiv, on March 4, 2022.Photo by AFP Contributor#AFP /AFP via Getty Images
  35. Medical workers provide medical assistance to an Ukrainian serviceman wounded during the fighting with Russian troops near the Ukrainian capital, in a hospital in Kyiv on March 4, 2022.
    Medical workers provide medical assistance to an Ukrainian serviceman wounded during the fighting with Russian troops near the Ukrainian capital, in a hospital in Kyiv on March 4, 2022. Photo by AFP Contributor#AFP /AFP via Getty Images
  36. Ukrainian service men take cover from shelling in the city of Bucha, west of Kyiev, on March 4, 2022.
    Ukrainian service men take cover from shelling in the city of Bucha, west of Kyiev, on March 4, 2022. Photo by ARIS MESSINIS /AFP via Getty Images
  37. A man gestures in front of an evacuation train at Kyiv central train station on March 4, 2022.
    A man gestures in front of an evacuation train at Kyiv central train station on March 4, 2022. Photo by SERGEI CHUZAVKOV /AFP via Getty Images
  38. This handout picture released by the press service of the Joint Forces Operation on March 4, 2022, shows what is said the wreckage of a Russian Sukhoi Su-25 assault aircraft outside the city of Volnovakha.
    This handout picture released by the press service of the Joint Forces Operation on March 4, 2022, shows what is said the wreckage of a Russian Sukhoi Su-25 assault aircraft outside the city of Volnovakha.Photo by HANDOUT /Joint Forces Operation press ser
  39. Yevghen Zbormyrsky, 49, is comfirted as he stands in front of his burning home after it was hit by a shelled in the city of Irpin, outside Kyiv, on March 4, 2022.
    Yevghen Zbormyrsky, 49, is comfirted as he stands in front of his burning home after it was hit by a shelled in the city of Irpin, outside Kyiv, on March 4, 2022. Photo by ARIS MESSINIS /AFP via Getty Images
  40. A view shows a damaged administrative building of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in Enerhodar, the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine in this handout picture released March 4, 2022.
    A view shows a damaged administrative building of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in Enerhodar, the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine in this handout picture released March 4, 2022. Photo by Press service of National Nuclear Energy Generating Company Energoatom /Handout via REUTERS
  41. A man rides his bicycle in front of residential buildings damaged in yesterday's shelling in the city of Chernihiv on March 4, 2022.
    A man rides his bicycle in front of residential buildings damaged in yesterday's shelling in the city of Chernihiv on March 4, 2022. Photo by DIMITAR DILKOFF /AFP via Getty Images
  42. An aerial view shows a residential building destroyed by shelling, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the settlement of Borodyanka in the Kyiv region, Ukraine, March 3, 2022.
    An aerial view shows a residential building destroyed by shelling, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the settlement of Borodyanka in the Kyiv region, Ukraine, March 3, 2022. Photo by MAKSIM LEVIN /REUTERS
  43. An aerial view shows a residential building destroyed by shelling, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the settlement of Borodyanka in the Kyiv region, Ukraine, March 3, 2022.
    An aerial view shows a residential building destroyed by shelling, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the settlement of Borodyanka in the Kyiv region, Ukraine, March 3, 2022. Photo by MAKSIM LEVIN /REUTERS
  44. People walk past a destroyed Russian military vehicle at a frontline position on March 3, 2022 in Irpin, Ukraine. Russia continues assault on Ukraine's major cities, including the capital Kyiv, a week after launching a large-scale invasion of the country.
    People walk past a destroyed Russian military vehicle at a frontline position on March 3, 2022 in Irpin, Ukraine. Russia continues assault on Ukraine's major cities, including the capital Kyiv, a week after launching a large-scale invasion of the country.Photo by Chris McGrath /Getty Images
  45. A member of the Territorial Defence Forces stands guard at a checkpoint, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, March 3, 2022.
    A member of the Territorial Defence Forces stands guard at a checkpoint, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, March 3, 2022.Photo by MYKOLA TYMCHENKO /REUTERS
  46. Destroyed Russian military vehicles are seen on a street in the settlement of Borodyanka, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the Kyiv region, Ukraine March 3, 2022.
    Destroyed Russian military vehicles are seen on a street in the settlement of Borodyanka, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the Kyiv region, Ukraine March 3, 2022. Photo by MAKSIM LEVIN /REUTERS
  47. Volunteers dig trenches, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, March 3, 2022.
    Volunteers dig trenches, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, March 3, 2022. Photo by MYKOLA TYMCHENKO /REUTERS
  48. People stand next to a shell crater in front of a house damaged by recent shelling in the village of Hatne, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the Kyiv region, March 3, 2022.
    People stand next to a shell crater in front of a house damaged by recent shelling in the village of Hatne, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the Kyiv region, March 3, 2022.Photo by SERHII NUZHNENKO /REUTERS
  49. A destroyed armoured vehicle is seen on a street in the settlement of Borodyanka, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the Kyiv region, March 3, 2022.
    A destroyed armoured vehicle is seen on a street in the settlement of Borodyanka, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the Kyiv region, March 3, 2022.Photo by MAKSIM LEVIN /REUTERS
  50. A picture shows damages in a building entrance after the shelling by Russian forces of Constitution Square in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-biggest city, on March 2, 2022.
    A picture shows damages in a building entrance after the shelling by Russian forces of Constitution Square in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-biggest city, on March 2, 2022. Photo by AFP Contributor#AFP /AFP via Getty Images
  51. A man looks over rubble and a damaged vehicle across the street from the Kyiv TV Tower on March 2, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine.
    A man looks over rubble and a damaged vehicle across the street from the Kyiv TV Tower on March 2, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine.Photo by Chris McGrath /Getty Images
  52. A man walks past sandbags protecting the entrance of a cafe in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, the industrial hub, which sits on the western side of the Dnieper river and divides east and central Ukraine, on March 2, 2022.
    A man walks past sandbags protecting the entrance of a cafe in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, the industrial hub, which sits on the western side of the Dnieper river and divides east and central Ukraine, on March 2, 2022.Photo by EMRE CAYLAK /AFP via Getty Images
  53. A view shows a residential building destroyed by recent shelling, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the city of Irpin in the Kyiv region, Ukraine March 2, 2022.
    A view shows a residential building destroyed by recent shelling, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the city of Irpin in the Kyiv region, Ukraine March 2, 2022. Photo by SERHII NUZHNENKO /REUTERS
  54. Firefighters work to contain a fire in the complex of buildings housing the Kharkiv regional SBU security service and the regional police, allegedly hit during recent shelling by Russia, in Kharkiv on March 2, 2022.
    Firefighters work to contain a fire in the complex of buildings housing the Kharkiv regional SBU security service and the regional police, allegedly hit during recent shelling by Russia, in Kharkiv on March 2, 2022. Photo by SERGEY BOBOK /AFP via Getty Images
  55. Firefighters work to contain a fire in the complex of buildings housing the Kharkiv regional SBU security service and the regional police, allegedly hit during recent shelling by Russia, in Kharkiv on March 2, 2022.
    Firefighters work to contain a fire in the complex of buildings housing the Kharkiv regional SBU security service and the regional police, allegedly hit during recent shelling by Russia, in Kharkiv on March 2, 2022.Photo by SERGEY BOBOK /AFP via Getty Images
  56. Fire continues to burn in a sports complex across the street from the Kyiv TV Tower on March 2, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine.
    Fire continues to burn in a sports complex across the street from the Kyiv TV Tower on March 2, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Photo by Chris McGrath /Getty Images
  57. Rescuers remove debris in the regional administration building, which city officials said was hit by a missile attack, in central Kharkiv, Ukraine, March 1, 2022.
    Rescuers remove debris in the regional administration building, which city officials said was hit by a missile attack, in central Kharkiv, Ukraine, March 1, 2022. Photo by VYACHESLAV MADIYEVSKYY /REUTERS
  58. The view of military facility which was destroyed by recent shelling in the city of Brovary outside Kyiv on March 1, 2022.
    The view of military facility which was destroyed by recent shelling in the city of Brovary outside Kyiv on March 1, 2022. Photo by GENYA SAVILOV /AFP via Getty Images
  59. Smoke billows from the TV tower, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine March 1, 2022.
    Smoke billows from the TV tower, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine March 1, 2022. Photo by CARLOS BARRIA /REUTERS
  60. A view of the square outside the damaged local city hall of Kharkiv on March 1, 2022, destroyed as a result of Russian troop shelling.
    A view of the square outside the damaged local city hall of Kharkiv on March 1, 2022, destroyed as a result of Russian troop shelling.Photo by SERGEY BOBOK /AFP via Getty Images
  61. Service members of pro-Russian troops in uniforms without insignia are seen atop of a tank with the letter
    Service members of pro-Russian troops in uniforms without insignia are seen atop of a tank with the letter "Z" painted on its sides in the separatist-controlled settlement of Buhas (Bugas), as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the Donetsk region, Ukraine March 1, 2022. Photo by ALEXANDER ERMOCHENKO /REUTERS
  62. Civilians cross a river on a blown up bridge on Kyivs northern front on March 1, 2022.
    Civilians cross a river on a blown up bridge on Kyivs northern front on March 1, 2022. Photo by AFP Contributor#AFP /AFP via Getty Images
  63. A member of the military walks near a building after a blast, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine March 1, 2022.
    A member of the military walks near a building after a blast, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine March 1, 2022. Photo by CARLOS BARRIA /REUTERS
  64. A civilian trains to throw Molotov cocktails to defend the city, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in Zhytomyr, Ukraine March 1, 2022.
    A civilian trains to throw Molotov cocktails to defend the city, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in Zhytomyr, Ukraine March 1, 2022. Photo by VIACHESLAV RATYNSKYI /REUTERS
  65. Service members of pro-Russian troops in uniforms without insignia stand next to an armoured vehicle in the separatist-controlled settlement of Buhas (Bugas), as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the Donetsk region, Ukraine March 1, 2022.
    Service members of pro-Russian troops in uniforms without insignia stand next to an armoured vehicle in the separatist-controlled settlement of Buhas (Bugas), as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the Donetsk region, Ukraine March 1, 2022.Photo by ALEXANDER ERMOCHENKO /REUTERS
  66. A Ukrainian serviceman stands guard outside the central railway station on March 1, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine.
    A Ukrainian serviceman stands guard outside the central railway station on March 1, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Photo by Anastasia Vlasova /Getty Images
  67. People are seen in an evacuation train from Kyiv to Lviv, at Kyiv central train station following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine March 1, 2022.
    People are seen in an evacuation train from Kyiv to Lviv, at Kyiv central train station following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine March 1, 2022. Photo by UMIT BEKTAS /REUTERS
  68. Women and children rest inside the sports hall of a primary school which has been converted to a refugee centre on March 1, 2022 in Przemysl, Poland.
    Women and children rest inside the sports hall of a primary school which has been converted to a refugee centre on March 1, 2022 in Przemysl, Poland. Photo by Omar Marques /Getty Images
  69. An Ukrainian Territorial Defence fighter examines a destroyed Russian infantry mobility vehicle GAZ Tigr after the fight in Kharkiv on Feb. 27, 2022.
    An Ukrainian Territorial Defence fighter examines a destroyed Russian infantry mobility vehicle GAZ Tigr after the fight in Kharkiv on Feb. 27, 2022. Photo by AFP Contributor#AFP /AFP via Getty Images
  70. A local resident paints anti-tank obstacles built to defend the city, after Russia launched a massive military operation against Ukraine, in Uzhhorod, Ukraine Feb. 27, 2022. The inscription reads:
    A local resident paints anti-tank obstacles built to defend the city, after Russia launched a massive military operation against Ukraine, in Uzhhorod, Ukraine Feb. 27, 2022. The inscription reads: "Uzhhorod." Photo by SERHII HUDAK /REUTERS
  71. Refugees from many diffrent countries — mostly students of Ukrainian universities — are seen at the Medyka pedestrian border crossing fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, in eastern Poland on Feb. 27, 2022.
    Refugees from many diffrent countries — mostly students of Ukrainian universities — are seen at the Medyka pedestrian border crossing fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, in eastern Poland on Feb. 27, 2022. Photo by WOJTEK RADWANSKI /AFP via Getty Images
  72. Local residents prepare Molotov cocktails to defend the city, after Russia launched a massive military operation against Ukraine, in Uzhhorod, Ukraine Feb. 27, 2022.
    Local residents prepare Molotov cocktails to defend the city, after Russia launched a massive military operation against Ukraine, in Uzhhorod, Ukraine Feb. 27, 2022.Photo by SERHII HUDAK /REUTERS
  73. Servicemen of Ukrainian Military Forces walk in the small town of Severodonetsk, Donetsk Region on Feb. 27, 2022.
    Servicemen of Ukrainian Military Forces walk in the small town of Severodonetsk, Donetsk Region on Feb. 27, 2022. Photo by ANATOLII STEPANOV /AFP via Getty Images
  74. Tens of thousands of people gather in Tiergarten park to protest against the ongoing war in Ukraine on Feb. 27, 2022 in Berlin, Germany.
    Tens of thousands of people gather in Tiergarten park to protest against the ongoing war in Ukraine on Feb. 27, 2022 in Berlin, Germany. Photo by Sean Gallup /Getty Images
  75. A view of a high-rise apartment block which was hit by recent shelling in Kyiv on Feb. 26, 2022.
    A view of a high-rise apartment block which was hit by recent shelling in Kyiv on Feb. 26, 2022. Photo by GENYA SAVILOV /AFP via Getty Images
  76. Ukrainian tanks move on a road before an attack in Lugansk region on Feb. 26, 2022.
    Ukrainian tanks move on a road before an attack in Lugansk region on Feb. 26, 2022. Photo by ANATOLII STEPANOV /AFP via Getty Images
  77. Civilian volunteers check their guns at a Territorial Defence unit registration office on Feb. 26, 2022 in Kyiv.
    Civilian volunteers check their guns at a Territorial Defence unit registration office on Feb. 26, 2022 in Kyiv.Photo by Chris McGrath /Getty Images
  78. Ukrainian servicemen prepare a Swedish-British portable anti-tank guided missile NLAW before an attack in Lugansk region on Feb. 26, 2022.
    Ukrainian servicemen prepare a Swedish-British portable anti-tank guided missile NLAW before an attack in Lugansk region on Feb. 26, 2022. Photo by ANATOLII STEPANOV /AFP via Getty Images
  79. A civilian member of a Territorial Defence unit rests in a bomb shelter on Feb. 26, 2022 in Kyiv.
    A civilian member of a Territorial Defence unit rests in a bomb shelter on Feb. 26, 2022 in Kyiv.Photo by Chris McGrath /Getty Images
  80. Ukrainian servicemen take positions at the military airbase Vasylkiv in the Kyiv region, Feb. 26, 2022.
    Ukrainian servicemen take positions at the military airbase Vasylkiv in the Kyiv region, Feb. 26, 2022.Photo by MAKSIM LEVIN /REUTERS
  81. People walk with their belongings after border crossing at Barabas - Koson as they flee Ukraine on Feb. 26, 2022 in Barabas, Hungary.
    People walk with their belongings after border crossing at Barabas - Koson as they flee Ukraine on Feb. 26, 2022 in Barabas, Hungary. Photo by Janos Kummer /Getty Images
  82. Ukrainian servicemen are seen at fighting positions at the military airbase Vasylkiv in the Kyiv region, Feb. 26, 2022.
    Ukrainian servicemen are seen at fighting positions at the military airbase Vasylkiv in the Kyiv region, Feb. 26, 2022. Photo by MAKSIM LEVIN /REUTERS
  83. Women pass by the apartment block in 6A Lobanovsky Avenue which was hit with a missile on Feb. 26, 2022 in Kyiv.
    Women pass by the apartment block in 6A Lobanovsky Avenue which was hit with a missile on Feb. 26, 2022 in Kyiv. Photo by Anastasia Vlasova /Getty Images
  84. Ukrainian service members look for and collect unexploded shells after a fighting with Russian raiding group in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv in the morning of Feb. 26, 2022, according to Ukrainian service personnel at the scene.
    Ukrainian service members look for and collect unexploded shells after a fighting with Russian raiding group in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv in the morning of Feb. 26, 2022, according to Ukrainian service personnel at the scene.Photo by SERGEI SUPINSKY /AFP via Getty Images
  85. Smoke rises from a Russian tank destroyed by the Ukrainian forces on the side of a road in Lugansk region on Feb. 26, 2022.
    Smoke rises from a Russian tank destroyed by the Ukrainian forces on the side of a road in Lugansk region on Feb. 26, 2022. Photo by ANATOLII STEPANOV /AFP via Getty Images
  86. Ukrainian service members collect unexploded shells after a fighting with Russian raiding group in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv in the morning of Feb. 26, 2022, according to Ukrainian service personnel at the scene.
    Ukrainian service members collect unexploded shells after a fighting with Russian raiding group in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv in the morning of Feb. 26, 2022, according to Ukrainian service personnel at the scene.Photo by SERGEI SUPINSKY /AFP via Getty Images
  87. A fragment of a destroyed Russian tank is seen on the roadside on the outskirts of Kharkiv on Feb. 26, 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
    A fragment of a destroyed Russian tank is seen on the roadside on the outskirts of Kharkiv on Feb. 26, 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Photo by SERGEY BOBOK /AFP via Getty Images

1 of 87

On the Ukrainian side, a queue of cars and buses stretched back some 35 kms to the town of Sudova Vyshnya.

Makeshift kitchens served hot meals alongside the road, and volunteers handed out snacks at a petrol station. Ukrainian police looked on as people walked with dogs on leashes and fathers carried children on their backs, everyone swaddled in winter clothes.

Piles of clothing lined the potholed road that cuts through fields and forests towards Lviv, as people sought to lighten their load.

Once in Poland, newly arrived refugees sifted through boxes of donated sweets and toiletries, and collected fruit from makeshift stands. A trickle of cars and vans headed back for Ukraine packed with food supplies.

Kristina, a 27-year-old Ukrainian who said she left Lviv on Sunday, sat in front of a grocery store in Medyka with her dog.

Story continues below

“We call him Dog, just Dog. Now it’s a Wartime Dog,” she said as she waited for a group of acquaintances to pick her up and drive away from the border.

OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT

Across central Europe, authorities set up makeshift reception centres in tents where people could get medical aid and process asylum papers, while thousands of volunteers drove up to the borders with donations of collected food, blankets and clothes, offering transport services and shelter.

German railway operator Deutsche Bahn said on Sunday it would offer free of charge trips from Poland to Germany for refugees from Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it was receiving calls from people still in Ukraine pleading for food, money, hygiene items and blankets.

Story continues below

“We’re also receiving a growing number of calls from people in other countries, urgently seeking information on their families and friends inside,” the ICRC said on Twitter.

In Hungary, the immigration authority said only 10 people had applied for asylum so far, as an overwhelming majority of people who came over were ethnic Hungarians or already had the right to stay in the country. Thirty-five people have applied for asylum in Slovakia.

Romanian authorities said about half of those who had entered the country so far, or about 20,000 people, had already left for elsewhere in Europe.

Loading...
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

The Czech government said a train with military aid for Ukraine had arrived in Poland, loaded with machine guns, sniper rifles, pistols and artillery ammunition.

Romania will send fuel, ammunition, bullet-proof vests, helmets, military equipment, food and water worth 3 million euros to Ukraine and has offered to care for the wounded in military and civilian hospitals, government spokesman Dan Carbunaru said on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters at the Slovak border crossing of Ubla, president Zuzana Caputova renewed calls by some in the EU for Ukraine to be admitted as a member.

“What Ukraine is fighting for now is not just Ukraine and its territorial integrity, but it is our European democratic values,” she said.

Comments
You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.
Join the Conversation

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.

Trending
Read Next
Page was generated in 0.68799495697021