By One million people flee Ukraine after Russian invasion
At least one million people have fled Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion, according to the UN refugee agency.
Jamey Keaten of Time magazine called the event an “an exodus without precedent in this century.”
Filippo Grandi, U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, tweeted: “In just seven days we have witnessed the exodus of one million refugees from Ukraine to neighbouring countries.
“For many millions more, inside Ukraine, it’s time for guns to fall silent, so that life-saving humanitarian assistance can be provided.”
The figure accounts for more than 2% of Ukraine’s entire population.
The UN refugee agency has warned that the outflow is far from finished.
As many as 4 million people are expected to eventually leave Ukraine as a result of the crisis.
News of the refugee milestone comes as Russian forces close in on seizing their first major Ukrainian city.
A spokesperson for the UK Refugee Agency said:
“At this rate, the situation looks set to become Europe’s largest refugee crisis this century, and UNHCR is mobilizing resources to respond as quickly and effectively as possible.
“All neighbouring countries have to date commendably kept their borders open for refugees fleeing Ukraine.
“Most have fled to Poland, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, while others have moved towards various other European countries.”
People across the UK gear up to provide humanitarian aid to those who have been displaced.
For advice on how you can support those affected by the crisis, please visit the British Red Cross.
Updates to follow.
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