Seven refugee bears from Kyiv were getting used to their new home in the western city of Lviv on March 8, after enduring a 24 hour non-stop journey to safety.

Bears rescued from Russian Invasion

The United Kingdom has announced another extension of its refugee policy for Ukrainians after being criticized for not doing enough. The number of Ukrainian refugees granted visas under the British scheme has risen from just about 50 to 200.

Ukrainian refugees express frustration with UK's visa process

Humanitarian corridors have been opened from 5 Ukrainian cities to help people escape the war zone. Last time, the safe corridors had come under heavy shelling. Will this time be different? Listen in to Palki Sharma

Gravitas: Humanitarian corridors open from 5 Ukrainian cities

The Russian invasion of Ukraine pushed thousands of people out of their homes. Millions have been forced to flee Ukraine and seek shelter in neighboring countries. These refugees are now calling for international support to help end the war.

Russian invasion fuels refugee crisis: 1.7 MN people have fled Ukraine

UK government may hand over the seized properties of Russian elites to Ukrainian refugees. &nbsp;

Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab has made the suggestion recently while defending the UK’s response to Russian invasion of Ukraine. &nbsp;

On being asked whether Britain can seize properties owned by Russian oligarchs, Raab told LBC: “If we’ve got the evidence and the legal basis, then we’ll do it.” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/weekend-special-who-is-a-russian-oligarch-heres-what-you-need-to-know-459198" hreflang="en">Weekend Special: Who is a Russian oligarch? Here's what you need to know</a>

When enquired about using these properties to house Ukrainian refugees, Raab replied: “Yes, absolutely. &nbsp;

The move has been called by the Liberal Democrats and argued for in the government reportedly by the housing secretary Michael Gove. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“We are looking at everything in the round, it is a team effort across government, from the foreign and defence secretary through to Michael Gove and, of course, the prime minister is driving this very hard,” Raab said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-intensifies-crackdown-on-fake-reports-blocks-twitter-facebook-459123">Russia intensifies crackdown on 'fake' reports, blocks Twitter, Facebook &nbsp;</a>

The individuals, who had faced sanctions, would not be allowed to repair their property without a licence, or rent or sell it, as per sources. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Raab said, “There has been a running commentary that the UK has somehow been slow – we’ve not been slow. We’ve been at the vanguard of taking action and, of course, what is really important is we act in concert with our allies, European, American and other NATO&nbsp;allies.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

UK government may hand over the seized properties of Russian elites to Ukrainian refugees. Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab has made the suggestion recently while defending the UK’s response to Russian invasion of Ukraine.

UK government may hand over the seized properties of Russian elites to Ukrainian refugees. Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab has made the suggestion recently while defending the UK’s response to Russian invasion of Ukraine. On being asked whether Britain can seize properties owned by Russian oligarchs, Raab told LBC: “If we’ve got the evidence and the legal basis, then we’ll do it.” Also Read: Weekend Special: Who is a Russian oligarch? Here's what you need to know When enquired about using these properties to house Ukrainian refugees, Raab replied: “Yes, absolutely. The move has been called by the Liberal Democrats and argued for in the government reportedly by the housing secretary Michael Gove. “We are looking at everything in the round, it is a team effort across government, from the foreign and defence secretary through to Michael Gove and, of course, the prime minister is driving this very hard,” Raab said. Also Read: Russia intensifies crackdown on 'fake' reports, blocks Twitter, Facebook The individuals, who had faced sanctions, would not be allowed to repair their property without a licence, or rent or sell it, as per sources. Raab said, “There has been a running commentary that the UK has somehow been slow – we’ve not been slow. We’ve been at the vanguard of taking action and, of course, what is really important is we act in concert with our allies, European, American and other NATO allies.” (With inputs from agencies)

UK government may hand over Russian oligarchs’ seized properties to Ukrainian refugees, says Raab  

Refugees are seeking shelter in a theatre in Ukraine’s Lviv. The United Nations said that number of refugees could touch four million in weeks.

Watch how refugees in Ukraine’s Lviv are seeking shelter in theatre | Russia-Ukraine crisis

The Russian invasion into Ukraine has displaced more than a million people with millions more at risk The European Union nations have been pretty swift in their response to the Ukrainians who are crossing over the border from Ukraine into the neighbouring nations.

Europe's bias of Ukrainian: Middle east refugees still seek shelter

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, over 670,000 Ukrainians have fled to neighbouring nations. In the latest, Berlin has welcomed refugees from Kyiv.

Berlin welcomes refugees from Kyiv as over 670,000 Ukrainians flee the country amid Russian invasion

One million people have fled Ukraine in less than a week since Russia's invasion, the UN refugee agency said on Thursday. &nbsp;

It is one of the biggest refugee crises in 100 years, said UN.

The UN High Commissioner’s tally for refugees is more than 2% of Ukraine's population, which was 44 million at the end of 2020 as per World Bank. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In an email, UNHCR spokeswoman Joung-ah Ghedini-Williams wrote, "Our data indicates we passed the 1M mark" as of midnight in central Europe. It is based on counts collected by the national authorities. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-unravel-truth-iccs-prosecutor-starts-investigation-into-possible-war-crimes-in-ukraine-458350" hreflang="en">ICC's prosecutor starts investigation into possible war crimes in Ukraine</a>

On Twitter, UN High Commissioner Filippo Grandi wrote, "In just seven days, we have witnessed the exodus of one million refugees from Ukraine to neighbouring countries." &nbsp;

Grandi also appealed for the "guns to fall silent" in Ukraine so humanitarian aid could reach millions of people still inside Ukraine. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The UN officials and others have also praised the response of Ukraine's neighbours, who have opened gymnasiums, homes and other facilities to take in the refugees. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-billionaires-600-million-luxury-yacht-seized-by-german-authorities-says-report-458362" hreflang="en">Russian billionaire’s $600 million luxury yacht seized by German authorities, says report</a>

UNHCR spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo said on Wednesday that "at this rate, the outflows from Ukraine could make it the source of the biggest refugee crisis in this century." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Over 505,000 refugees from Ukraine have gone to Poland and more than 116,000 travelled to Hungary. Moldova has taken in over 79,000 and 71,200 had entered Slovakia, as per the latest figures on UNHCR's online data portal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

One million people have fled Ukraine in less than a week since Russia's invasion, the UN refugee agency said on Thursday. It is one of the biggest refugee crises in 100 years, said UN.

One million people have fled Ukraine in less than a week since Russia's invasion, the UN refugee agency said on Thursday. It is one of the biggest refugee crises in 100 years, said UN. The UN High Commissioner’s tally for refugees is more than 2% of Ukraine's population, which was 44 million at the end of 2020 as per World Bank. In an email, UNHCR spokeswoman Joung-ah Ghedini-Williams wrote, "Our data indicates we passed the 1M mark" as of midnight in central Europe. It is based on counts collected by the national authorities. Also Read: ICC's prosecutor starts investigation into possible war crimes in Ukraine On Twitter, UN High Commissioner Filippo Grandi wrote, "In just seven days, we have witnessed the exodus of one million refugees from Ukraine to neighbouring countries." Grandi also appealed for the "guns to fall silent" in Ukraine so humanitarian aid could reach millions of people still inside Ukraine. The UN officials and others have also praised the response of Ukraine's neighbours, who have opened gymnasiums, homes and other facilities to take in the refugees. Also Read: Russian billionaire’s $600 million luxury yacht seized by German authorities, says report UNHCR spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo said on Wednesday that "at this rate, the outflows from Ukraine could make it the source of the biggest refugee crisis in this century." Over 505,000 refugees from Ukraine have gone to Poland and more than 116,000 travelled to Hungary. Moldova has taken in over 79,000 and 71,200 had entered Slovakia, as per the latest figures on UNHCR's online data portal. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine conflict: In a week, one million flee fighting in biggest refugee crisis in 100 years, says UN

The EU on Thursday agreed to approve temporary protection for&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;fleeing the war in Ukraine -- so far numbered at one million -&nbsp;while also setting up a humanitarian hub in Romania.

The moves by the European Union came in parallel to its muscular sanctions on Russia imposed in successive waves over the course of the invasion, now in its eighth day.

EU interior ministers agreed in a Brussels meeting to activate a temporary protection mechanism drawn up two decades ago -- in response to the wars in the former Yugoslavia -- but never used.

European home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson, who attended the meeting, tweeted that it was a "historic decision".&nbsp;

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said: "The European Union will accord temporary protection to all those fleeing the war in Ukraine."

Darmanin's phrasing was significant. While most of those pouring out of Ukraine -- mainly women and children because men of fighting age were compelled to stay -- are Ukrainian, there were also many Indian students and other nationalities trapped when Russia invaded.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-russia-claims-to-have-besieged-two-big-cities-in-ukraine-455211">Also read |&nbsp;Live | Ukraine war: Worst is to come, Macron believes after call with Putin</a>

"The significance of this moment for Europe cannot be underestimated," the Oxfam charity said in a statement, calling it "a turning point for Europe".

It said the EU protection mechanism "offers a direct lifeline to people fleeing from danger in Ukraine" and now "all EU member states need to chip in and take responsibility". &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A majority of member states was needed to adopt the protection mechanism. With political agreement reached, it was expected to come into force within days, once the EU legislation is finalised.

'Paradigm shift'

Under a text submitted by the European Commission,&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;from Ukraine and their family members would receive a residence permit and the right to access work and education for an initial year, renewable every six months for a total of two years.

Currently, Ukrainians with passports bearing biometric data have only the right to visit the EU's Schengen area for up to three months, without the right to work, meaning they can already enter the EU.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said as she arrived for the meeting that adopting the blanket protection for Ukraine&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;was "a paradigm shift" for the EU, which has long struggled to reform its asylum rules.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-is-this-vladimir-putins-next-massive-plan-458569">Also read |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine conflict: Is this Vladimir Putin's next massive plan?</a>

Hungary's government -- which has the closest ties to Moscow of any EU country -- said before its adoption that it was against blanket EU protection for Ukrainians.&nbsp;

As the interior ministers met, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen tweeted that the EU was also setting up a "humanitarian hub" in Romania, one of four EU countries bordering Ukraine.

"Protecting the people fleeing (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's bombs is not only an act of compassion in times of war. This is also our moral duty, as Europeans," she said.

The EU on Thursday agreed to approve temporary protection for refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine -- so far numbered at one million - while also setting up a humanitarian hub in Romania.

The EU on Thursday agreed to approve temporary protection for refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine -- so far numbered at one million - while also setting up a humanitarian hub in Romania. The moves by the European Union came in parallel to its muscular sanctions on Russia imposed in successive waves over the course of the invasion, now in its eighth day. EU interior ministers agreed in a Brussels meeting to activate a temporary protection mechanism drawn up two decades ago -- in response to the wars in the former Yugoslavia -- but never used. European home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson, who attended the meeting, tweeted that it was a "historic decision". French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said: "The European Union will accord temporary protection to all those fleeing the war in Ukraine." Darmanin's phrasing was significant. While most of those pouring out of Ukraine -- mainly women and children because men of fighting age were compelled to stay -- are Ukrainian, there were also many Indian students and other nationalities trapped when Russia invaded. Also read | Live | Ukraine war: Worst is to come, Macron believes after call with Putin "The significance of this moment for Europe cannot be underestimated," the Oxfam charity said in a statement, calling it "a turning point for Europe". It said the EU protection mechanism "offers a direct lifeline to people fleeing from danger in Ukraine" and now "all EU member states need to chip in and take responsibility". A majority of member states was needed to adopt the protection mechanism. With political agreement reached, it was expected to come into force within days, once the EU legislation is finalised. 'Paradigm shift' Under a text submitted by the European Commission, refugees from Ukraine and their family members would receive a residence permit and the right to access work and education for an initial year, renewable every six months for a total of two years. Currently, Ukrainians with passports bearing biometric data have only the right to visit the EU's Schengen area for up to three months, without the right to work, meaning they can already enter the EU. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said as she arrived for the meeting that adopting the blanket protection for Ukraine refugees was "a paradigm shift" for the EU, which has long struggled to reform its asylum rules. Also read | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Is this Vladimir Putin's next massive plan? Hungary's government -- which has the closest ties to Moscow of any EU country -- said before its adoption that it was against blanket EU protection for Ukrainians. As the interior ministers met, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen tweeted that the EU was also setting up a "humanitarian hub" in Romania, one of four EU countries bordering Ukraine. "Protecting the people fleeing (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's bombs is not only an act of compassion in times of war. This is also our moral duty, as Europeans," she said.

Ukraine invasion: EU to offer protection to refugees as situation worsens

The European Union is racing to offer protection to Ukrainian refugees, the commission laid out a new proposal for all member states this will now let Ukrainians stay and work in the block for next two years.

EU plans to grant Ukrainians right to stay for up to two years

Western journalists are being slammed for their racism while reporting on the refugee crisis in Ukraine. While Arab refugees were villainized and arrested, Ukrainians are being welcomed with a red carpet. Western reporters said they are "Europeans with blue eyes and blonde hair". Palki Sharma calls out 'Racist Reportage'.

Gravitas: Western media's racist reportage on Ukrainian refugees

After leaving Afghanistan a year ago, Ajmal Rahmani believed he had found a haven of peace in Ukraine.

This week, he and his family had to flee again -- this time to Poland to the sounds of Russian bombs.

"I run from one war, come to another country and another war starts. Very bad luck," Rahmani told AFP shortly after crossing into Poland.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-biggest-plane-mriya-destroyed-by-russia-near-kyiv-457293">World's biggest plane 'Mriya' destroyed by Russia near Kyiv</a>

His seven-year-old daughter Marwa clutched a beige-coloured soft toy dog as Rahmani spoke.

Together with Marwa, his wife Mina and son Omar, 11, the family walked the last 30 kilometres (19 miles) to the crossing on foot because of the gridlock on the Ukrainian side of the border.

After arriving at the Medyka on the Polish side, the family waited with other refugees for a bus that will take them to the nearby city of Przemysl.

Hundreds of thousands of people have fled during the four days of conflict into neighbouring countries, mainly Poland, Hungary and Romania.

While most of the refugees are Ukrainian, among them are also students and migrant workers from further afield, including Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, India and Nepal.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-ukraines-refugees-europe-opens-doors-that-were-shut-to-others-456918">&nbsp;For Ukraine’s refugees, Europe opens doors that were shut to others</a>

I lost everything

Rahmani, who is in his 40s, said he worked for NATO in Afghanistan for 18 years at Kabul airport.

He decided to leave the country four months before the US withdrawal because he received threats and was so scared he kept his children out of school.

Before that "I had a good life in Afghanistan, I had a private house, I had a private car, I had a good salary," said Rahmani.

"I sold my car, my house, my everything. I lost everything," he said.&nbsp;

But he added: "nothing is better than my love, than my family life".

Rahmani said he struggled to get a visa to leave Afghanistan and decided to go to Ukraine because it was the only country that would take him in.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-new-refugee-crisis-as-russia-attacks-ukraine-thousands-flee-the-chaos-456411">A new 'refugee crisis': As Russia attacks Ukraine, thousands flee the chaos</a>

They set up home in Odessa -- a Black Sea port city.

Four days ago, when Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, they had to leave everything again and travelled the 1,110 kilometres to the border.

Polish authorities said nearly 213,000 people have crossed into Poland from Ukraine since Thursday.

Rahmani and his family, like others without a Polish visa, now have 15 days to get registered, said Tomasz Pietrzak, a lawyer with the Ocalenie (Salvation) Foundation, a charity for migrants.

The timeline is unlikely given the numbers.

"Poland will have to very quickly amend its legislation on this issue," he said.

Watch |&nbsp;UN Refugee Agency: At least 150,000 people flee Ukraine to neighboring countries

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-refugee-agency-at-least-150000-people-flee-ukraine-to-neighboring-countries-457003/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Rahmani said he was concerned about the future but was encouraged by the warm welcome he received from volunteers and officials assisting the stream of refugees on the Polish side of the border.

"They gave us energy," he said

After leaving Afghanistan a year ago, Ajmal Rahmani believed he had found a haven of peace in Ukraine. This week, he and his family had to flee again -- this time to Poland to the sounds of Russian bombs.

After leaving Afghanistan a year ago, Ajmal Rahmani believed he had found a haven of peace in Ukraine. This week, he and his family had to flee again -- this time to Poland to the sounds of Russian bombs. "I run from one war, come to another country and another war starts. Very bad luck," Rahmani told AFP shortly after crossing into Poland. Also read | World's biggest plane 'Mriya' destroyed by Russia near Kyiv His seven-year-old daughter Marwa clutched a beige-coloured soft toy dog as Rahmani spoke. Together with Marwa, his wife Mina and son Omar, 11, the family walked the last 30 kilometres (19 miles) to the crossing on foot because of the gridlock on the Ukrainian side of the border. After arriving at the Medyka on the Polish side, the family waited with other refugees for a bus that will take them to the nearby city of Przemysl. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled during the four days of conflict into neighbouring countries, mainly Poland, Hungary and Romania. While most of the refugees are Ukrainian, among them are also students and migrant workers from further afield, including Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, India and Nepal. Also read | For Ukraine’s refugees, Europe opens doors that were shut to others I lost everything Rahmani, who is in his 40s, said he worked for NATO in Afghanistan for 18 years at Kabul airport. He decided to leave the country four months before the US withdrawal because he received threats and was so scared he kept his children out of school. Before that "I had a good life in Afghanistan, I had a private house, I had a private car, I had a good salary," said Rahmani. "I sold my car, my house, my everything. I lost everything," he said. But he added: "nothing is better than my love, than my family life". Rahmani said he struggled to get a visa to leave Afghanistan and decided to go to Ukraine because it was the only country that would take him in. Also read | A new 'refugee crisis': As Russia attacks Ukraine, thousands flee the chaos They set up home in Odessa -- a Black Sea port city. Four days ago, when Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, they had to leave everything again and travelled the 1,110 kilometres to the border. Polish authorities said nearly 213,000 people have crossed into Poland from Ukraine since Thursday. Rahmani and his family, like others without a Polish visa, now have 15 days to get registered, said Tomasz Pietrzak, a lawyer with the Ocalenie (Salvation) Foundation, a charity for migrants. The timeline is unlikely given the numbers. "Poland will have to very quickly amend its legislation on this issue," he said. Watch | UN Refugee Agency: At least 150,000 people flee Ukraine to neighboring countries Rahmani said he was concerned about the future but was encouraged by the warm welcome he received from volunteers and officials assisting the stream of refugees on the Polish side of the border. "They gave us energy," he said

'Another war': Afghan forced to flee again

The UN refugee agency, UNHCR has said that at least 150,000 refugees had fled Ukraine to neighboring countries, such as Poland, Moldova, Hungary and Romania, in the wake of Russia’s assault on Ukraine. WION tells you more.

UN Refugee Agency: At least 150,000 people flee Ukraine to neighboring countries

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has pushed tens of thousands of people out of their homes and fleeing across borders to escape violence. But unlike the refugees who have flooded Europe in crises over the past decade, they are being welcomed.

Countries that have for years resisted taking in refugees from wars in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan are now opening their doors to Ukrainians as Russian forces carry out a nationwide military assault. Perhaps 100,000 Ukrainians already have left their homes, according to United Nations estimates, and at least half of them have crowded onto trains, jammed highways or walked to get across their country’s borders in what officials warn could become the world’s next refugee crisis.

UN and US officials described their concerted diplomatic push for Ukraine’s neighbors and other European nations to respond to the outpouring of need. President Joe Biden “is certainly prepared” to accept refugees from Ukraine, Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said Thursday, but she noted that the majority of them would probably choose to remain in Europe so they could more easily return home once the fighting ended.

“Heartfelt thanks to the governments and people of countries keeping their borders open and welcoming refugees,” said Filippo Grandi, head of the UN refugee agency. He warned that “many more” Ukrainians were moving toward the borders.

That means thousands will end up in countries led by nationalist governments that in past crises have been reluctant to welcome refugees or even blocked them.

In Poland, government officials assisted by American soldiers and diplomats have set up processing centers for Ukrainians. “Anyone fleeing from bombs, from Russian rifles, can count on the support of the Polish state,” Polish Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski told reporters Thursday. His government is spending hundreds of millions of dollars on a border wall, a project it began after refugees and migrants from the Middle East tried to reach the country last year but ended up marooned in neighboring Belarus.

The military in Hungary is allowing in Ukrainians through sections of the border that had been closed. Hungary’s hard-line prime minister, Viktor Orban, has previously called refugees a threat to his country, and his government has been accused of caging and starving them.

Farther west, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said that “of course we will take in refugees if necessary” in light of the crisis in Ukraine. As recently as last fall, when he was serving as interior minister, Nehammer sought to block some Afghans seeking refuge after the Taliban overthrew the government in Kabul.

“It’s different in Ukraine than in countries like Afghanistan,” he was quoted as saying during an interview on a national TV program. “We’re talking about neighborhood help.”

Nehammer also said the number of Ukrainians seeking help was expected to be relatively small. At least 1.3 million people — mostly from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan — applied for asylum in Europe in 2015 during what was widely regarded as the worst refugee crisis since World War II, stretching national budgets and creating a backlash of political nativism in countries across the continent.

Some estimates project that at least 1 million refugees will flee Ukraine because of the Russian invasion. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said Thursday that the fighting could uproot as many as 5 million people, “putting pressure on Ukraine’s neighbors.”

Diplomats and experts said European states willing to take in Ukrainians might be trying, in part, to highlight Russian aggressions against civilians by offering a humanitarian response.

“If you think of causing the refugee crisis as one of Putin’s tools to destabilise the West, then a calm, efficient, orderly response is a really good rebuke to that,” said Serena Parekh, a professor at Northeastern University in Boston and director of its politics, philosophy and economics program.

“On the other hand,” said Parekh, who has written extensively about refugees, “it’s hard not to see that Ukrainians are white, mostly Christian and Europeans. And so in a sense, the xenophobia that’s really arisen in the last 10 years, particularly after 2015, is not at play in this crisis in the way that it has been for refugees coming from the Middle East and from Africa.”

The Biden administration is also facing calls to take in Ukrainian refugees, much in the way it gave residency or humanitarian parole to more than 75,000 Afghans when the Taliban seized power in August.

It is unlikely — at the moment, at least — that the United States would offer a humanitarian parole program for Ukrainians that goes above what is currently allowed for the total number of refugee admissions for the current fiscal year. That number is capped at 125,000 this year — including 10,000 refugees from Europe and Central Asia. The guidelines set aside another 10,000 slots for refugees from any part of the world as regional emergencies warrant.

Psaki did not comment when asked by a reporter whether the administration would offer temporary residency protections, a program known as TPS, to Ukrainian students, workers and others who are in the United States to ensure they are not deported when their legal visas expire.

“The war in Ukraine is exactly the type of crisis TPS was created for — to allow people to live and work in the United States when they are unable to return home safely,” Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, said Thursday night.

Psaki said the United States had sent an estimated $52 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine over the past year to help people, mostly in the eastern Donbas region, where the current war began as a slow-burn conflict between Ukraine’s military and Russian-backed separatists in 2014. Nearly 1.5 million people had been forced from their homes by the fighting even before the invasion this past week.

Additionally, the US Agency for International Development sent a team of disaster experts to Poland in the past week to assess demand for aid to the region — including water, food, shelter, medicine and other supplies — and to coordinate its delivery. Hours after the invasion began, the United Nations announced it would divert $20 million in emergency funds for humanitarian assistance to Ukrainians, mostly to the Donbas region.

A European diplomat who is closely watching the refugee flow from Ukraine said neighboring nations might also feel the pull of history in welcoming people in danger as a direct result of Russia’s aggressions. A Soviet crackdown on a Hungarian uprising in 1956, for example, resulted in 200,000 refugees, most of whom fled to Austria before they were settled in dozens of countries across Europe. Between 80,000 and 100,000 people — and perhaps even more than that — left what was then Czechoslovakia to escape a Soviet invasion in 1968 that was launched to silence pro-democracy Prague Spring protests.

In both cases, the United States sent aid to help European countries settle refugees and, in the Hungarian crisis, “in a matter of months, there were no more refugees; they had been found a permanent home,” Parekh said.

That was largely the result of the United States working with European states to resettle the Hungarians, she said, calling the effort “an exception, historically.”

“It was a similar thing — people fleeing our Russian enemy — that motivated us,” she said.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has pushed tens of thousands of people out of their homes and fleeing across borders to escape violence. But unlike the refugees who have flooded Europe in crises over the past decade, they are being welcomed.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has pushed tens of thousands of people out of their homes and fleeing across borders to escape violence. But unlike the refugees who have flooded Europe in crises over the past decade, they are being welcomed. Countries that have for years resisted taking in refugees from wars in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan are now opening their doors to Ukrainians as Russian forces carry out a nationwide military assault. Perhaps 100,000 Ukrainians already have left their homes, according to United Nations estimates, and at least half of them have crowded onto trains, jammed highways or walked to get across their country’s borders in what officials warn could become the world’s next refugee crisis. UN and US officials described their concerted diplomatic push for Ukraine’s neighbors and other European nations to respond to the outpouring of need. President Joe Biden “is certainly prepared” to accept refugees from Ukraine, Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said Thursday, but she noted that the majority of them would probably choose to remain in Europe so they could more easily return home once the fighting ended. “Heartfelt thanks to the governments and people of countries keeping their borders open and welcoming refugees,” said Filippo Grandi, head of the UN refugee agency. He warned that “many more” Ukrainians were moving toward the borders. That means thousands will end up in countries led by nationalist governments that in past crises have been reluctant to welcome refugees or even blocked them. In Poland, government officials assisted by American soldiers and diplomats have set up processing centers for Ukrainians. “Anyone fleeing from bombs, from Russian rifles, can count on the support of the Polish state,” Polish Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski told reporters Thursday. His government is spending hundreds of millions of dollars on a border wall, a project it began after refugees and migrants from the Middle East tried to reach the country last year but ended up marooned in neighboring Belarus. The military in Hungary is allowing in Ukrainians through sections of the border that had been closed. Hungary’s hard-line prime minister, Viktor Orban, has previously called refugees a threat to his country, and his government has been accused of caging and starving them. Farther west, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said that “of course we will take in refugees if necessary” in light of the crisis in Ukraine. As recently as last fall, when he was serving as interior minister, Nehammer sought to block some Afghans seeking refuge after the Taliban overthrew the government in Kabul. “It’s different in Ukraine than in countries like Afghanistan,” he was quoted as saying during an interview on a national TV program. “We’re talking about neighborhood help.” Nehammer also said the number of Ukrainians seeking help was expected to be relatively small. At least 1.3 million people — mostly from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan — applied for asylum in Europe in 2015 during what was widely regarded as the worst refugee crisis since World War II, stretching national budgets and creating a backlash of political nativism in countries across the continent. Some estimates project that at least 1 million refugees will flee Ukraine because of the Russian invasion. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said Thursday that the fighting could uproot as many as 5 million people, “putting pressure on Ukraine’s neighbors.” Diplomats and experts said European states willing to take in Ukrainians might be trying, in part, to highlight Russian aggressions against civilians by offering a humanitarian response. “If you think of causing the refugee crisis as one of Putin’s tools to destabilise the West, then a calm, efficient, orderly response is a really good rebuke to that,” said Serena Parekh, a professor at Northeastern University in Boston and director of its politics, philosophy and economics program. “On the other hand,” said Parekh, who has written extensively about refugees, “it’s hard not to see that Ukrainians are white, mostly Christian and Europeans. And so in a sense, the xenophobia that’s really arisen in the last 10 years, particularly after 2015, is not at play in this crisis in the way that it has been for refugees coming from the Middle East and from Africa.” The Biden administration is also facing calls to take in Ukrainian refugees, much in the way it gave residency or humanitarian parole to more than 75,000 Afghans when the Taliban seized power in August. It is unlikely — at the moment, at least — that the United States would offer a humanitarian parole program for Ukrainians that goes above what is currently allowed for the total number of refugee admissions for the current fiscal year. That number is capped at 125,000 this year — including 10,000 refugees from Europe and Central Asia. The guidelines set aside another 10,000 slots for refugees from any part of the world as regional emergencies warrant. Psaki did not comment when asked by a reporter whether the administration would offer temporary residency protections, a program known as TPS, to Ukrainian students, workers and others who are in the United States to ensure they are not deported when their legal visas expire. “The war in Ukraine is exactly the type of crisis TPS was created for — to allow people to live and work in the United States when they are unable to return home safely,” Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, said Thursday night. Psaki said the United States had sent an estimated $52 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine over the past year to help people, mostly in the eastern Donbas region, where the current war began as a slow-burn conflict between Ukraine’s military and Russian-backed separatists in 2014. Nearly 1.5 million people had been forced from their homes by the fighting even before the invasion this past week. Additionally, the US Agency for International Development sent a team of disaster experts to Poland in the past week to assess demand for aid to the region — including water, food, shelter, medicine and other supplies — and to coordinate its delivery. Hours after the invasion began, the United Nations announced it would divert $20 million in emergency funds for humanitarian assistance to Ukrainians, mostly to the Donbas region. A European diplomat who is closely watching the refugee flow from Ukraine said neighboring nations might also feel the pull of history in welcoming people in danger as a direct result of Russia’s aggressions. A Soviet crackdown on a Hungarian uprising in 1956, for example, resulted in 200,000 refugees, most of whom fled to Austria before they were settled in dozens of countries across Europe. Between 80,000 and 100,000 people — and perhaps even more than that — left what was then Czechoslovakia to escape a Soviet invasion in 1968 that was launched to silence pro-democracy Prague Spring protests. In both cases, the United States sent aid to help European countries settle refugees and, in the Hungarian crisis, “in a matter of months, there were no more refugees; they had been found a permanent home,” Parekh said. That was largely the result of the United States working with European states to resettle the Hungarians, she said, calling the effort “an exception, historically.” “It was a similar thing — people fleeing our Russian enemy — that motivated us,” she said.

For Ukraine’s refugees, Europe opens doors that were shut to others

More than 20 years after fleeing the war in Afghanistan, this refugee confronts his traumatic past in an animated documentary. Mariam Wardak brings you the behind-the-scenes story of how this Oscar-tipped piece was made.

South Asia Diary: Afghan refugee's tale gets Oscar nod

Witness border walls looking to curtail asylum seekers’ entry

Thousands of people have been left homeless after fire gutted parts of a Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh here's a report

Fire swept through a Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh

It started as an operation by the Ethiopian government on the Tigrayan rebels in late 2020, but soon this operation by the Ethiopian government exploded into a bit of a civil war leading to a million people getting displaced and a humanitarian disaster unfolding in large parts of Ethiopia.

Amid crackdown by the Ethiopian government on the Tigrayan rebels, thousands of people flee to Sudan

Indonesia's navy has rescued more than 100 Rohingya asylum seekers who have been adrift on a sinking boat off the country's western coast, bringing them to a temporary place.

Indonesia yields after international calls as it rescues over 100 Rohingya refugees

Indonesia rescues over 100 Rohingya refugees adrift sinking boat

The immigrants in California San Jose are well versed with the horrors of having to start afresh in a foreign land which is why at a clinic meant for screening refugees, the immigrant staffers are now offering guidance and support to the thousands of apprehensive Afghan refugees.

United States: Immigrants at California clinic help Afghan refugees

After fleeing violence and uncertainty in war-torn Afghanistan, as refugees in Istanbul, they are now forced to take up menial jobs to make ends meet.

Afghan refugees in Istanbul are forced to take up menial jobs such as cleaning trash to survive

Istanbul in Turkey has a population of over 16 million people but, it is the migrant and refugee population that has been employed for solid waste management to keep the city clean. Our report tells you more.

Undocumented Afghan refugees harassed in Istanbul

refugees

Refugees, News on Refugees, stories on Refugees, articles on Refugees, Refugees stories at Wion, Refugees news, Refugees latest news