As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, it is the stories of everyday people that touch the rest of the world the most.
In Poland, Sky News has met some of those forced to flee the eye of the storm and their beloved homes in Ukraine for safety across the border.
Here are some of their stories.
The mum: Victoria Korchevska
The 33-year-old full-time mum, who is from Lviv, has come to Poland to find her cousin who lives in the west of the country.
“My cousin lives in Chezov so me and my kids will go there,” she says.
The pensioner: Elena le Onkevna
The wheelchair-bound 60-year-old from Vynyca is travelling to Frankfurt as she has a son there.
She “very much” wants to go back to Ukraine and resolves that Frankfurt is temporary.
“I am not afraid of Russians! Putin will die, and then we will all go back home,” she said defiantly.
The economist: Ola and Kostantin Melnyk
This mother and son from Ivano-Frankiwisk are hoping to make it to Paris in France to be with her husband who lives there.
“My son was only saying two weeks ago that he wanted to go to Paris – but we were not expecting to go so soon.”
The footballer: Genesis Oparahh (and dog Zeus)
Originally from Nigeria, the 23-year-old was living in Kyiv, where he was playing football professionally for lower leagues in Ukraine.
He was also there to study.
“I’m going to Warsaw and then on to somewhere in Europe where I can play soccer again,” he said.
“I just thank God we are safe.”
The accountant: Anastasia Chekh and Emilia
The mum, 32, and her six-year-old daughter from Zaporizhzjya near Donetsk are heading to Warsaw, as Anastasia’s brother lives there.
“I left my parents behind as my dad is not allowed to leave because of his age, despite having two disabilities,” she said.
“He won’t fight, but he will help, maybe make those cocktail bombs.”
reply
retweet
favourite
