Since the war started more than 3,8 mln Ukrainians left the country. About 6,5 mln Ukrainians are internally displaced. Some of the people who fled their homes had so little time they only grabbed a couple of days worth of basic necessities. Many lost everything, but passports and children.
Poland, a first responder state, now accommodates the majority of Ukrainian women and children who decided to leave Ukraine temporarily or permanently - 2,3 mln. Poland showed overwhelming support for Ukraine and stood the test of moral strength. The country’s massive volunteer mobilization and welcoming attitude has not declined since the war started a month ago. The country managed to supply food, medical aid, emergency housing, and educational support to newly arriving families, as well as relieve some of Ukraine’s logistical challenges. Nevertheless, it is now clear that Ukraine’s Polish allies need to prepare the country for long-term migrant pressure.
It is crucial for the EU leaders to take some of the migrant pressure off its Eastern member states - Poland, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia. These countries are a temporary home for the refugees who travel further West. Germany, France, UK, Ireland and Sweden have introduced comprehensive programs to host the first wave of refugees, liberalized entry and have mobilized their societies to welcome tens of thousands of refugees each. For the majority of ‘final destination’ hosting states it will be challenging to provide enough job opportunities for qualified refugees from Ukraine, which should be one of the main priorities for Ukraine’s allies.
Speakers:
Dr. Weronika Priesmeyer-Tkocz, Deputy Director at European Academy Berlin
Andy J. Semotiuk, U.S. and Canadian Immigration Lawyer
Agnieszka Bryk, film producer, Poland
Andrzei Meller, writer and journalist, Poland
Maksym Butkevych, human rights activist, coordinator at “No Borders project”
If you want to support Ukraine against Russian aggression, check the link with recommendations by Ukraine Crisis Media Center - [ Ссылка ]
NGO Euroatlantic Course collects donations to support Ukrainian Army and civilians - [ Ссылка ]
