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Escape from Occupation: Ukrainians Cross Belarus Border
Ukrainians fleeing Russian-occupied territories cross the border from Belarus into Ukraine, facing challenges with documents and funds. Volunteers provide aid and support.
Ukrainian
Germany
RussiaGermany Russia Ukraine WarUkraineWarRefugeesRefugees And MigrationHumanitariancrisis
ПлурітонДопомагаємо ВиїхатиНорвезької Ради У Справах Біженців
ЛюбовІринаСвітланаЯнаАліна
- What is the only open border crossing between Ukraine and Belarus and who uses it?
- The only functioning border crossing between Ukraine and Belarus is in Volyn Oblast. It is used by Ukrainians from Russian-occupied territories who lack the documents or funds to travel through Europe.
- What are some of the challenges faced by those fleeing the occupied territories, and what are their stories?
- Many people avoid political topics and only speak anonymously, such as Irina, who waited at the checkpoint to meet her 83-year-old mother-in-law from Luhansk, whose house was taken by Russian forces.
- What are the challenges faced by Ukrainian citizens who have lived abroad with children holding Russian documents?
- A 6-year-old girl, Svetlana, only possesses Russian documents because she was born in the Republic of Karelia. Her mother, Yana, and her family are returning to Ukraine after living in Russia.
- What assistance is provided to those who arrive through the border crossing, and what are their concerns about the future?
- After crossing the border, those arriving receive aid and assistance from volunteers, who help them continue their journeys to where they will be staying with family and friends within Ukraine. Many express concerns about the possibility of losing their homes in the occupied territories.
- What experiences did someone like Alina, returning from Mariupol, have in getting back to Ukraine, and what challenges did she describe?
- Alina, a 23-year-old from Mariupol, describes the journey back to Ukraine as costly and arduous, recalling the border guard's question about her reasons for not staying in Russia.