The European Union must prepare for the arrival of millions of refugees Ukrainians to the bloc, EU Internal Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said on Sunday as Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his nuclear forces to be placed on high alert.
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Europe must prepare to receive millions of refugees from Ukraine/Archyde.com
Thousands of Ukrainian civilians, mostly women and children, have fled to neighboring countries since the Russian invasion began last Thursday, the largest assault on a European state since World War II.
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At least 300,000 refugees had already arrived in the EU as of Sunday and many more are likely to arrive, Johansson said.
I think we have to prepare for millions,” he told reporters in Brussels, where the bloc’s interior ministers were meeting especially to discuss the consequences of the war in Ukraine.
Denmark was willing to take in the Ukrainian refugees.
I have made it very clear that the Danish door is open and that we are ready to help,” Immigration Minister Mattias Tesfaye said.
Germany warned of the danger of putting up bureaucratic obstacles, while France said EU countries will study “in the coming hours and days” whether to launch a resettlement program for Ukrainians fleeing the conflict.
More regarding: Nearly 400,000 people have fled Ukraine following Russian invasion
Johansson praised European citizens for their solidarity and hospitality in the crisis
I am proud of how European citizens at the borders are showing concrete solidarity with Ukrainians fleeing this terrible and aggressive war,” she said.
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