Russia invasion of Ukraine: Europe braces for tide of refugees

  Ukraine’s neighboring countries are preparing for an inflow of refugees escaping Russia's invasion of the country. As Russian air attacks rocked Kyiv overnight, many people packed their belongings and fled to the countryside or the European Union's border. Some cities' highways were congested with traffic, and some people walked into Poland and Hungary on foot. The humanitarian consequences, according to the UN's refugee chief, will be "devastating." Ukraine's European neighbors have stated that they are prepared to accept refugees fleeing the country, which has a population of 44 million people and is one of Europe's most populous. Slovakia and Hungary are also sending troops to the border to deal with the expected influx of refugees. On Thursday, a steady trickle of refugees appeared at the Hungarian and Polish borders, as families crossed on foot with their suitcases. Many people have flocked to bus and train stations, hoping to get tickets to destinations further west, away from the front lines in Ukraine's east. Some were relocating to remote towns or returning home to reunite with family members. Western planes are avoiding Ukraine's airspace entirely, and Kyiv's international airport was reportedly one of the first targets of Russian bombardment. Russia has requested that Ukrainian armed forces lay down their guns, but the Ukrainian military has posted photos of recruits queuing outside buildings to join the army. KMB/Expat Media
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