Ukrainians are trying to put distance between themselves and the Russian military.

In spite of economic and political pressure from nearly all sides, Russia still has yet to back down from their invasion of Ukraine. The invading military force is still making progress toward densely populated Ukrainian cities, forcing the residents to flee for their lives. Over one million refugees from the cities are making their way to safety, and if the invasion continues, millions more will likely follow.

“I've seen a lot of refugee crises and a lot of humanitarian crises. I've never seen refugees move this quickly. To have more than a million people cross an international border in a seven-day period is quite exceptional.“ @PowerUSAID describes the humanitarian crisis right now. pic.twitter.com/euWGEYsFVV

— CNN (@CNN) March 4, 2022

“I have worked in refugee emergencies for almost 40 years, and rarely have I seen an exodus as rapid as this one,” Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said in a public statement.

“International solidarity has been heartwarming. But nothing – nothing – can replace the need for the guns to be silenced; for dialogue and diplomacy to succeed. Peace is the only way to halt this tragedy.”

As a side effect of the invasion, local societal structures of Ukrainian cities have broken down, with numerous reported incidents of looting both by invading Russian troops and Ukrainian citizens trying desperately to get food and medicine. Bombings have also damaged critical infrastructure, leaving many without heat, water, or electricity.

Polish border with Ukraine. This is the best of humanity. People driving from all over Europe to offer refugees a lift and a room. @itvnews #ukraine pic.twitter.com/F5OWrNLFTI

— Romilly Weeks (@romillyweeks) March 4, 2022

“You are leaving people without food, you are leaving us without medication,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a broadcast directed to the Russian troops. “You are shelling evacuation routes, there’s no weapon you wouldn’t use against us, against free citizens of Ukraine.”