POLAND (WHDH) — More than three million people have fled Ukraine for the comparative safety of neighboring countries — with Poland taking more than two million refugees according to United Nations reports.
7’s Adam Willaims has just returned from the border where Poland meets Ukraine with stories of their harrowing and inspiring journeys of survival.
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In Krakow, Willaims spoke with many people like Helen who left her job as a teacher.
“We didn’t want to fight with anyone,” she said through tears. When asked how she copes with the uncertainty, she said, “I’m sure we will win and after our victory come to our wonderful country.”
Though she is scared for the future, Helen’s spirit is strong. She has a sense of hope for a brighter tomorrow.
In Przemysl, which lies less than 10 miles from the Ukrainian border, Williams met with refugees who were walking into Poland — most of them grandmothers, mothers and children.
For most refugees, Przemysl is the first stop after escaping the Russian bombings and the devastation in their homeland.
The nearby town of Medyka has been transformed into the largest and busiest border crossing. Refugees pulling their luggage behind them or pushing their few modest possessions in shopping carts are now a common sight.
Roman made the difficult 550 mile journey from Kyiv to Krakow. Before leaving, he stocked up on gasoline and food in preparation for the eventuality that bombs would drop.
He was only able to leave Ukraine with his three kids, due to a unique family situation. Most men aged 18 to 60 are not allowed to leave, so they can stay and fight.
“We just grabbed all our baggage and ran away from Kyiv,” he told Williams.
Roman said he is grateful for the people of Poland.
“They gave us food and a place where we can stay the night,” he said.
Now, he is hoping to drive other refugees to shelter. Roman, like Helen and so many others, feel these are temporary new beginnings, not permanent ones. For them, Ukraine will always be their home.
“For sure, I’m going to come back. I’m not going to stay here because I’m Ukrainian and I love my country,” Roman said.
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