Oleksandra Matviichuk, chair of the Center for Civil Liberties in Kyiv, told CNN on Thursday she fears the Russian attack on Ukraine will cause a “refugee crisis.”
“I am in Kyiv. And a lot of people stay in Kyiv and will fight for our country and for our city, and for our dignity,” she said. “But people with children, people without parents, people who are scared (will) try to leave (the) city.”
She added that she fears Russia’s attack will also target journalists, civil activists, human rights defenders, and volunteers “who are … resistant to the occupation.”
When asked what could possibly prompt Russian President Vladimir Putin to pull back, Matviichuk responded, “Now, it all depends onto immediate reaction of the West.”
“We, as Ukrainians, will win,” she said. “I don’t know how my personal story will end but I have no doubt Ukraine will stand. But we need time, and (the) West can provide this time, with their immediate reaction.”
