Russia-Ukraine war: 'Over 1.7 million flee Ukraine since Russian invasion,' confirms UNHCR

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, said on Monday that number of people who have fled war in Ukraine since Russian invasion started on February 24, has increased to more than 1.7 million. On Sunday, UN stated that more than one and a half million people h fled Ukraine to seek safety as Russian invasion triggered Europe's 'fastest-growing refugee' crisis since World War II. 

UN High Commissioner revealed that nearly 1.03 million refugees arrived in Poland, over 1,80,000 refugees went to Hungary, and 1,28,000 to Slovakia. wave of people fleeing war-inflicted Ukraine is expected to intensify furr as Russian troops continued ir offensive, particularly toward capital city, Kyiv and second-largest city, Kharkiv. 

As per data provided by United Nations Refugee ncy (UNHCR), on Saturday, 1.37 million citizens left Ukraine into neighbouring nations as a result of Russian President Vlimir Putin's military onslaught. Earlier today, March 7, Polish border guard h tweeted that ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia has compelled over one million citizens to evacuate war-inflicted nation. 

Russia-Ukraine War

As war entered 12th day, Russia's President Putin decided to establish a ceasefire and open humanitarian corridors. humanitarian corridors for civilians will be opened in Ukraine on French President Emmanuel Macron's request. 

 Joint Coordination Hequarters for Humanitarian Response in Ukraine said in a statement, "Taking into account catastrophic humanitarian situation and its sharp aggravation in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Sumy and Mariupol, as well as at personal request of President of French Republic Emmanuel Macron to President of Russian Federation Vlimir Putin, Russian Armed Forces for humanitarian purposes, on March 7, from 10:00 am, establish a cease-fire and open humanitarian corridors."

Meanwhile, Russian and Ukrainian delegations are set to meet for third round of peace talks even though first two rounds did t le to a ceasefire. peace talks will be taking place in Belarus. During ir second round of talks, two countries agreed on a ceasefire and a safe pass corridor for people. In a telephonic call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday, Russian President Vlimir Putin emphasised that Russia is open to negotiation with Ukraine, according to Xinhua news ncy. 

Im: AP