The United Nations estimated that more than 10 million people may flee their homes in Ukraine if violence continues. The statement came as the Russian invasion has already forced more than a million people to flee the war in just a week. 

The exodus is so swift it almost matches the number of people who sought refuge in Europe in a whole year during the 2015 migration crisis.

The UN further added that the crisis will force four million people to cross the border into neighboring countries. 

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“Our colleagues tell us that the needs in Ukraine are growing and spreading by the hour. They warn that while the scale and scope of displacement is not yet clear, we expect that more than 10 million people may flee their homes if violence continues, including 4 million people who may cross borders to neighbouring countries,” UN Secretary General spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

In one week, European countries have already accepted more than 2% of Ukraine’s 44 million population, according to the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR. The operation has gone relatively smoothly thanks to an enormous mobilization of volunteers near and far who have gone to the borders to help — some from as far away as the United States.

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Dujarric further added that some essential UN staff have been relocated outside Kyiv. 

“Our humanitarian colleagues stress that to scale up our operations, we need safe, unimpeded access to all conflict-affected areas,” he added.

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The European Union decided Thursday to grant people fleeing Ukraine temporary protection and residency permits. EU Migration Commissioner Ylva Johansson said millions more were expected to move into the 27-nation bloc and would require shelter, schooling and work.