Kiev, Europe Biref News – More than half a million people have fled their homes to escape the war in Ukraine, the UN said Monday.
The United Nations human rights chief, Michelle Bachelet, said millions of civilians were being forced to huddle in makeshift bomb shelters such as underground rail stations to escape explosions.
Since the invasion began last Thursday, her office has recorded 102 civilian deaths, including seven children – and more than 300 injured.
“The real figures are, I fear, considerably higher,” she said.
Major cities – including Kiev, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv – remain under attack from Russian forces.
On the northern border with Belarus, Ukrainian and Russian officials are meeting for talks for the first time.
Hopes for a breakthrough are slim – but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said there was a “small chance to end the war”.
Russia launched its invasion by land, air and sea on Thursday following a declaration of war by President Vladimir Putin. An estimated 100,000 people fled as explosions and gunfire rocked major cities. Zelenskyy said 137 people died on the first day of the attack.
According to the reports that are coming about casualties include some Ukrainian civilians and soldiers along with Russian troops.
Volodymyr Zelensky said “My country would not give up it’s freedom”. Moreover he Tweeted “ Russia has embarked on a path of evil, but Ukraine is defending itself”.
Ukraine announced martial law in the country and broken all the diplomatic ties with Russia. It says weapons are available for anyone who wants them.
