More than 3 million refugees have fled Ukraine since the Russian invasion

Deel hierdie storie / Share this story

The United Nations confirmed on Friday, 18 March that more than 3.25 million refugees have fled Ukraine since the Russian invasion and more than two million of those, crossed the Polish boarder.

UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, said 3,270,662 have left since 24 February 2022.

READ ALSO: Relative in custody for murder of a toddler


“We have seen a general slowdown,” said UNHCR spokesman Matthew Saltmarsh comparing the early stages of the conflict and now.


For people who’re still in Ukraine but having left their homes, “It’s safe to assume the number is considerably higher than two million,” he said.


However, “the pace and magnitude of the internal displacement and refugee exodus from Ukraine, as well as resulting humanitarian needs, will only increase if the situation deteriorates.”

READ ALSO: Odendaal leads Lions in injured Kriel’s absence


It’s reported that 90 percent of those who have fled are women and children while Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60 are eligible for military call-up and cannot leave.


Sources – France 24, Reuters, BBC