Russia invades Ukraine!

Many people are fleeing the war zone in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The German government is gearing up for rapid aid and wants to support the local residents first.

“We won’t give up any arms. We will defend our country,” Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in a video apparently filmed on a street in Kyiv and posted on both Twitter and Facebook, early Saturday. “Fake information is appearing on social networks that I urged our troops to give up arms and evacuation is ongoing. To make it clear: I’m here,” Zelenskiy said. (Source: Bloomberg)

EU states are - for the moment - showing solidarity with Ukraine and its refugees. But how long that will last depends on the duration of the conflict and the numbers in need.

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine this week, sparking a slew of sanctions and turmoil in global financial markets.

“Greece will stand by the Greek communities in Ukraine and especially the community in Mariupol. If there are Greeks who want to leave Ukraine we will warmly welcome them,” Kyriakos Mitsotakis told President Katerina Sakellaropoulou in a meeting at the Presidential Mansion.

The government says it is in touch with families who have relatives fleeing from Ukraine.

Ukrainians are fleeing to their EU neighbors as they fear even further escalation. The UN and the EU have vowed support as the already dire humanitarian situation worsens.

US, EU, and UK are among those imposing sanctions on Russia after its attack on Ukraine.