“The number of refugees from Ukraine — tragically — has reached today 2.5 million. We also estimate that about two million people are displaced inside Ukraine.  Millions forced to leave their homes by this senseless war,” Grandi tweeted on Friday.

The number of refugees from Ukraine — tragically — has reached today 2.5 million.

We also estimate that about two million people are displaced inside Ukraine.

Millions forced to leave their homes by this senseless war.

— Filippo Grandi (@FilippoGrandi) March 11, 2022

Russian aggression against Ukraine triggered a refugee crisis that has become the largest movement of people in Europe since World War II.

It began with the initial invasion of Russian troops on 24 February 2022. Several European countries were already preparing to take in refugees before the invasion, especially Poland which was ready to accept 1 million refugees.

Hundreds of thousands fled in the first few days after the attack. Most have found refuge in neighboring countries west of Ukraine: Poland, Hungary, Moldova, Romania and Slovakia.

Many of those affected are seeking refuge in the homes of relatives who live abroad. Railroad companies in several states such as Poland and Germany allow Ukrainian refugees to travel by train free of charge.

Ukrainians can travel freely to many other European countries due to previous agreements with other countries and the Schengen area.

Some refugees without Ukrainian citizenship as well as Romani people have reported discrimination at the border. (ILKHA)