Marion Gauthier (at Przemysl), edited by Laura Laplaud 07:12, March 01, 2022
On the fifth day of the Russian offensive in Ukraine, 500,000 refugees have been identified, representing the largest exodus movement ever seen in Europe, according to the United Nations.
Many of them manage to reach the border with Poland where they find refuge with locals.
Europe 1 went to Przemysl in southeastern Poland.
REPORT
Ukrainians are fleeing massively from the bombardments and fighting which are intensifying in Ukraine.
Many of them reach the border with Poland where the Polish population is mobilizing to help them: donations of money, clothing, food, hygiene products.
Some even lend accommodation to those who have left everything behind.
Europe 1 went to Przemysl in southeastern Poland.
"I was heartbroken"
25 clean square meters for a couple and three children whom Lucjia hugs.
They are "like my family", she proclaims.
The sexagenarian is small, voluble, and her fingernails are multicolored.
She lent the apartment that her daughter no longer occupied to strangers, friends of friends who were fleeing the bombardments.
"I didn't even ask myself the question for five minutes. When these women with their children started getting off the trains, I was heartbroken, I cried like a madeleine. I can't do nothing and just watch,” she says.
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Nearly empty cupboards, photos.
A unique decoration, in evidence that looks, tender, Marianna.
"It's an icon that my daughter finished just before the war started. Children shouldn't be involved in it. I feel it's not right to be here with Andrei when all our boys are in combat", she regrets.
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Lucjia protests, Andrzej mumbles.
He turned off his emotions.
"Me, I've been crying for four days because we are traitors!"
she says.
"That hurts me".
Marianna's three daughters stare silently into space.
Their mother is busy.
She wants to create a Ukrainian school here to occupy their day, and redesign a semblance of normal life.