UN refugee chief hails Europe’s welcoming of people fleeing war in Ukraine

By Peter Kenny

GENEVA (AA) – The United Nations high commissioner for refugees praised European countries Tuesday for welcoming people fleeing Russia’s war in Ukraine.

"We have passed the shocking milestone of 2 million refugees fleeing Ukraine in just 12 days, mainly into five neighboring countries. Over half are fleeing to Poland alone," said Filippo Grandi in a statement.

After five days in the region, Grandi said he had met refugees, humanitarian workers, local responders and governments dealing with the effects of the war launched by Russian forces on Feb. 24.

"Poland has received over 1.2 million refugees. Both the Polish government and local communities have mounted a commendable, well-organized welcome," said Grandi.

"The same can be said for both the Republic of Moldova and Romania, which I visited during my mission, as well as other neighboring countries which have generously kept their borders open."

He said that while he was heartened by the welcome shown, he was "deeply saddened for Ukraine and its people."

He saw an exodus of people at the borders, primarily women and children, along with older refugees and people with disabilities.

Grandi said people had arrived shocked and deeply impacted by the violence and their arduous journeys to safety.

He said families had been senselessly ripped apart and that tragically, unless the war is stopped, the same will be true for many more.

"The response by Europe has been remarkable. The EU's temporary protection directive offers the refugees security and options, a chance for stability during a time of great upheaval," said Grandi.

However, he said the international community must step up to provide much more support for the refugee response and for host communities, particularly in Moldova, which borders Ukraine.

"Behind the warm welcome lies despair and unimaginable suffering," he said.

"The refugees who have crossed are safe from the violence, but none were spared huge losses and trauma. Behind the monolithic statistics are 2 million stories of separation, anguish and loss.