Russia on Thursday launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine by land, air and sea, the largest attack by one state against another in Europe since the Second World War.
The incursion confirmed the worst fears of the West and opens the stage for an avalanche of refugees from Ukraine, a country of 44 million inhabitants.
Poland called for the “fiercest possible sanctions” against Russia. Czech President Milos Zeman, who had long been close to Moscow, called Putin “crazy,” ordering Prague to suspend visa issuance to Russian citizens and close two Russian consulates.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has also forged good ties with Putin, condemned Moscow’s actions. He said that Hungary would prepare humanitarian aid for Ukraine and was ready to receive refugees.
Groups of Ukrainians began to arrive in Poland, which is home to the largest Ukrainian community in the region – about 1 million people – and is the EU country with the best connection for arrival from Kiev.
Dozens of people arrived Thursday at the normally quiet intersection of Medykasome with luggage and accompanied by children.
Groups of people also fled to Hungary through the crossings of Beregsurany and Tiszabecs, some from as far away as Kiev, a Reuters eyewitness said. Some arrived by car, but many pedestrians were also carrying suitcases.
Slovak customs officials said passenger cars had to wait up to eight hours at Slovakia’s busiest road junction with Ukraine.
hospitals await
Polish hospitals were preparing beds for wounded Ukrainians, the Health Ministry said, and the Army raised the readiness level of some units.
“We will do everything possible to ensure that all people entering the territory of Poland have access to medical care, including hospitalization,” the ministry said.
Poland said it would set up reception points for refugees at its bordersaccording to the PAP news agency, which quoted the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Pawel Szefernaker.
Slovakia said it was ready to help the refugees. “We can predict with almost certainty that Russian aggression will expel many Ukrainian women and men from their country,” Prime Minister Eduard Heger said.
Slovakia will send up to 1,500 troops to its border with Ukraine, where additional crossings will be established, Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad said. Hungary has also said it will deploy troops to its border to help the refugees through.
Germany offered humanitarian aid to countries bordering Ukraine. German media have cited estimates that between 200,000 and 1 million people could flee to the EU from Ukraine.
Source: Ambito
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
