People are fleeing Ukraine with their pets as Russia's invasion continues

As Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine, citizens caught in the crossfire are grabbing their suitcases and their pets as they seek safety in bomb shelters or neighboring countries.

cumhuriyet.com.tr

Yayınlanma: 26.02.2022 - 13:14

Güncelleme: 26.02.2022 - 13:14

As sirens rang out amid Russia’s assault on Ukrainian cities Thursday, scores were forced to flee their homes. Some held their children in their arms, while others clutched their beloved pets — the cats and dogs they could not leave behind amid the barrage of attacks coming from Russia.

Countries around the world swiftly condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “brutal act of war,” with President Biden vowing “consequences” and other leaders announcing harsh sanctions.

A woman carries her cat in Kyiv as air raid sirens go off

For those fleeing the capital of Kyiv by car, roads were congested with traffic that stretched for miles. Those on foot rushed to local subway stations and bus routes, holding their pets in carriers.

Amid the shelling, people gathered in underground subway stations, dragging their luggage behind them, while others embraced loved ones in the street.

According to The Washington News, some travelers hurrying to buy tickets told Washington Post correspondent Siobhán O’Grady, who is on the ground in Kyiv, that they did not know where they were heading — they just wanted to get out.On social media, Romanian animal rescue charity Casa lui Patrocle, which is based in the city of Suceava — around 25 miles from the Ukraine border — vowed to help families fleeing with their pets, writing in a Facebook post that it would provide veterinary assistance to anyone who entered the country.

A woman holds a cat in a bag while waiting with other Ukrainian citizens in Poland

The organization said it would help treat “any type of animal.”The main roads out of the Ukrainian capital were blocked with heavy traffic as people attempted to flee.

Ride-sharing app Uber told users that the service would “be available where possible” despite the threat of more explosions.