PRZEMYSL, Poland, Feb 27, 2022 (BSS/AFP) - Tens of thousands of civilians
have been fleeing Ukraine for Poland, many on packed trains arriving at the
border city of Przemysl, where despite the pressures, morale is remarkably
high.
"It's awful but we're also standing up for our country and proud of our
friends," said 34-year-old Anna, whose male friends stayed behind in Kyiv to
fight back against Russian troops.
Most of those arriving at the train station in the southeastern city are
women and children, as well as some elderly people. Fighting-age men are a
rarer sight.
"It's their duty but they also want to, they want to defend our home,"
Anna told AFP.
"We don't want to be running from country to country and asking for
support, but support is really needed this time," said the refugee, who said
she had had to leave her cat behind.
According to Poland, more and more refugees are coming. On Saturday
morning, officials said that since Russia's invasion, 100,000 people had
crossed the border into Poland. A couple hours later, that number was already
at 115,000. A large parking lot near the Przemysl train station has been the
scene of many joyous, tear-filled reunions, as refugees are met by loved ones
from all parts of Poland and even other countries, including Denmark, Italy
and Germany.
There is also considerable car traffic at the Medyka border crossing near
Przemysl, where many have driven over to pick up friends and family from
Ukraine.
Those who arrive with nowhere to go can count on the help of volunteers --
both members of NGOs and private citizens. They have been offering soup and
sandwiches, free rides to other cities, plus any necessary information.
Both a hall at the train station and a local elementary school have been
fitted out with beds where refugees can rest and recover from their ordeal.
"It was very dangerous. Attacks were everywhere," said Diana, 37, who had
fled the Ukrainian capital.
"My mother is still in Kyiv and we are worrying about her," she told AFP.
