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Transcript/ScriptUkrainian Refugees - Krakow Rail Station --WEB
HEAD: Ukrainian Refugees Pour Into Poland With Little But Trauma, Uncertainty
TEASER:
PUBLISHED: 03/08/2022 at 10:19 pm
BYLINE: Celia Mendoza
DATELINE: Krakow, Poland
CAMERA: Celia Mendoza
VIDEO EDITOR: Cristina Caicedo Smit
PRODUCER:
SCRIPT EDITORS: MAS, djones preapproved for balance, Holly Franko
VIDEO FROM: VOA
TYPE: TVPKG
TRT:
VIDEO APPROVER'S INITIALS: mcb
UPDATE: ))
((INTRO))
[[The United Nations Refugee Agency says more than 1.2 million Ukrainian refugees have fled to Poland since the Russian invasion began. Poland has opened its doors to them. VOA’s Celia Mendoza spoke with some refugees who had just arrived in Krakow and volunteers who were there to help them.]]
((NARRATION))
Thousands of Ukrainian refugees continue to arrive at the Krakow Central Railway Station.
((Alexandra, Ukrainian Refugee in Krakow)) ((IN RUSSIAN))
“We come from Kharkiv, Ukraine. People have been living in complete hell for two weeks, it's hell."
((NARRATION))
Alexandra and her family fled after the shelling began. Her journey to Poland lasted 31 hours. She worries about what comes next and those who stayed behind.
((Alexandra, Ukrainian refugee in Krakow)) ((IN RUSSIAN))
“My relatives stayed in Ukraine. Grandmothers, grandfathers can't go anywhere. It is very scary to live under fire, people are without water.”
((NARRATION))
It’s a dire situation that has forced more than 2 million Ukrainians to leave their country, according to the United Nations. And the number continues to grow. Volunteers, like Albert Riera, hear their stories every day.
((Albert Riera, Catalan Volunteer in Krakow)) ((IN SPANISH))
“People tell you that their house no longer exists or they don’t know. I was accompanying a lady and I asked her, 'Where is your luggage?’ And she told me, 'No, no it's just that, I don't have luggage.’ ”
((NARRATION))
Many Ukrainians at the Krakow Central Railway Station have few belongings. They pray for an end to the war. Volunteers help with basics – food, water and directions.
((Albert Riera, Catalan Volunteer in Krakow)) ((IN SPANISH))
"I think it's about being human. I'm lucky enough to speak a little Polish and know the city and it's a matter of wanting to help."
((NARRATION))
Local authorities are also giving Ukrainian refugees phone cards so they can connect to the internet and make calls. An assistance center helps women and children with temporary accommodations.
((Ina, Ukrainian Refugee in Krakow)) ((IN SPANISH))
“I think I’m very, very ...” (She starts crying))
((NARRATION))
Ina is traveling with her two dogs, husband and 13-year-old daughter. VOA News asked why she fled. The answer was too difficult to express.
((Video of Ina crying))
((Ina, Ukrainian Refugee in Krakow)) ((IN SPANISH))
"Russia is..."
((NARRATION))
The government of Poland says it will be opening more reception centers around the country. But for now, authorities at this local railroad station say they are quickly running out of space.
((Celia Mendoza, VOA News Krakow, Poland))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Location (dateline)Krakow, Poland
Embargo DateMarch 9, 2022 00:42 EST
BylineCelia Mendoza
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
