UN: Over 3.3 Million Have Fled Ukraine

More than 3.3 million refugees have fled Ukraine, a figure that has steadily increased since Russian President Vladimir Putin began dropping bombs on the neighboring country last month, according to the United Nations.

The Ukrainian refugees, which also include the nearly 6.5 million people who have been internally displaced, account for roughly 23% of the war-torn country’s total population, and the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees is sounding the alarm that the humanitarian crisis is rapidly growing.

“Humanitarians are doing all they can in Ukraine to reach people in need, often in dangerous circumstances. However, people continue to flee because they are afraid of bombs, airstrikes, and indiscriminate destruction. Aid is vital but can’t stop fear. Only stopping the war can,” UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi said.

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Poland has been the top destination for refugees, with nearly more than 2 million Ukrainians traveling over to its neighbor. So far, 518,000 refugees have fled to Romania, 360,000 to Moldova, nearly 300,000 to Hungary, and 185,000 to Russia, UNHCR reported. Prior to the invasion, Ukraine had an estimated population of about 43.3 million, including separatist regions in the Donbas.

Ukraine is operating under martial law and has barred men between the ages of 18 and 60 from fleeing in a bid to compel them to stay and fight against the Russian invaders.

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On Thursday, the U.N. released an estimate from UNHCR that 726 civilians have been killed and 1,900 wounded between Feb. 24 and Tuesday. Officials have cautioned that the number is expected to rise significantly as the bloodshed continues. Russian military deaths from the conflict have exceeded 14,000, and Ukrainian soldier deaths have topped 1,000, Ukrainian officials have contended. Warring nations have incentives to exaggerate casualty numbers in their favor.

The unprovoked fighting in Ukraine broke out on Feb. 24 local time. The Kremlin has issued a list of demands, including Ukraine ending all of its military actions, constitutionally guaranteeing neutrality from NATO, recognizing Crimea as part of Russia, and acknowledging the sovereignty of the two republics in the Donbas. The two nations have been at a diplomatic impasse.