Ukrainian males return from overseas to struggle Russian invasion

While tens of hundreds of refugees are leaving Ukraine amid Russia’s assault on the nation, some Ukrainian women and men are returning house from throughout Europe to assist defend their homeland.

At the checkpoint in Medyka, in southeastern Poland, many had been standing in a line early Sunday to cross into Ukraine.

“We have to defend our homeland. Who else if not us,” stated a moustachioed man in entrance of a gaggle of some 20 Ukrainian truck drivers strolling to the checkpoint to enter Ukraine. They got here from throughout Europe to return to Ukraine. They spoke to The Associated Press in Ukrainian and in Russian.

Another man within the group stated: “The Russians should be afraid. We are not afraid.” Members of the group declined to present their names, or solely gave their first names, citing their safety and that of their households.

A girl in her 30s who gave her first title, Lesa, spoke to the AP simply earlier than coming into the checkpoint constructing. ”I’m afraid, however I’m a mom and wish to be with my kids. What are you able to do? It’s scary however I’ve to.” Another younger girl stated she, too, was returning to deal with her kids, in order that Ukrainian males can defend the nation.

Polish volunteer Jedrzej in army uniform joins Ukranians, left, ready to cross the border to go and struggle towards Russian forces, at Medyka border crossing, in Poland (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

“We have to, we Ukrainians have to take our children away … to allow our boys to fight,” she stated.

At least 150,000 individuals have fled Ukraine into Poland and different neighbouring nations within the wake of the Russian invasion, the UN refugee company, the UNHCR, stated Saturday. It didn’t give the figures for these going to Ukraine.