Aid for Ukrainian refugees arriving in Romania through Siret Customs

The United Nations estimates that Russia's invasion of Ukraine could lead to one of the largest refugee crises, with up to 5 million people leaving their homes.

So far, 100.000 refugees have entered Poland and almost 30.000 the Republic of Moldova, but asylum applications are few, as most go to Western European countries.

Until yesterday at noon, almost 30.000 Ukrainian refugees crossed Romania's borders.

The busiest border points are those in Siret and Sighet, where the authorities in Bucharest are setting up two mobile camps.

Meanwhile, locals and volunteers mobilized to help people fleeing the war.

Our correspondent Mihaela Buculei talked to the volunteers, but also to the refugees, at Siret Customs.

- I came to help, to volunteer, yes.

Reporter: What did you bring?

- Staple food, canned food, water, sandwiches, etc. We try to help as much as we can.

- All you can, I brought hot food first.

Reporter: From ...

- Archdiocese of Suceava and Radauti.

- From Chernivtsi.

Reporter: How many children do you have with you?

- I have two. With us, five in total.

Reporter: Tell me, did your husbands stay there?

-Our husbands? Yes, we left them there, poor things!" They couldn't get through.

Reporter: What will you travel with?

- There's someone here to help us. Thank you!

Translated by: Radu Matei