Mass exodus in Ukraine to flee the Russian war machine

Tens of thousands of Ukrainians are fleeing the advancing Russian war machine. Entire families, elderly people and foreign students, including Latin Americans, flock to the ticket offices of the train stations to leave the country.

“We do not know what to do. There are no train tickets and we can’t find cars, vans or taxis. And the bombs are heard very close”, commented Panamanian Garik, who works in Kiev as an English teacher.

The central station of Kiev today was an anthill. The passengers looked desperately at the electronic board, since the Russian tanks advance relentlessly towards the capital. Everyone fears the sudden cancellation of their train trip.

Latin American exodus

Groups of Latin American students were anxiously waiting on the platform for the arrival of the train bound for Lviv, the most important city in western Ukraine, located more than 500 kilometers from the capital. From there to the Polish border, one step.

“The situation is very tense. I have not experienced anything dangerous, but it is clear that the situation is complicated”, commented Andrés, a Colombian who has been in Ukraine for a few months and is studying to be a civil aviation pilot.

This is also the case of Gabriel, an Ecuadorian who was studying Ukrainian and who wants to specialize in video production and directing television series. “Lviv is safer than the capital. Here the alarms sound all the time”, he points out.

The Colombian and Ecuadorian authorities have recommended that they stay away “the more possible” From the capital.

“Get out of there!”, their families have also told them, who sounded very worried on the other end of the phone.

a trip to nowhere

The Russian invasion also caught wandering language teachers and travelers unawares.

This is the case of Garik, whose mother, “poor thing, she almost died of pain”. He is accompanied by Lucas, an Argentine who was traveling with his belongings around Europe.

“I am very surprised. I thought that this was just something political and that she was going to die there, but she continued. And now it’s all starting”, he commented.

Now, the goal is to leave the country: “Any country, Poland or Hungary. whoever is closest”.

They are accompanied by two other English teachers from England and South Africa, also determined to leave Ukraine before the invader arrives.

“I am scared. I have to get to the Polish border somehow. My family is very worried. I have to reassure them somehow”, pointed out the South African Johan.

An Englishman, a medical student in Kiev for four years, tries to rationalize the situation.

“As a foreigner, I am consuming vital resources for the defense of the country. I’m calm, but I must go”, Mortazar pointed out.

There are also many African students, some with young children, from Libyans to Nigerians, Congolese, Cameroonians, as well as Pakistanis. “Have you heard? Another bombshell. You have to leave here but nowGarik interrupts.

From Donbas to Poland

Several women with children who fear for their lives travel on the night train from eastern Ukraine, from Donbas. Their husbands have stayed behind.

“I had to go by train, since by car it was impossible. The roads were jammed. I want to go to Poland. I have to think about my daughter. I have family in the north of Russia, but I don’t plan to go thereZhenya commented.

He assures that many people in the pro-Russian east are tired of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“In Donbas there are also many who do not want it. Russia is a dictatorship. Just look at Putin’s ministers and advisers. They are all scared. And the propaganda? He says that the Russians have come to eliminate the Ukrainian neo-Nazis. Unbelievable!”, he insists.

Not everyone leaves. Some decide to embark as volunteers to defeat the Russian enemy.

“I am a doctor. I am traveling back to Odessa (Black Sea), where my home, my family and my loved ones are. I want to help. Putin has completely lost his mind”, Sergey pointed out.

His companion, Vlad, a Kievite, prepares to fight against the Russian troops “if required”.

Before saying goodbye, they share sausage, buns, fruit and sweets on a handkerchief on the cold floor of the station, where each passenger hopes to be far from Kiev, the precious target of the Kremlin’s offensive.