The number of people fleeing the war in Ukraine and Slovakia is stable, but we need to prepare for a greater onslaught. Prime Minister Eduard Heger (OĽANO) said this on Saturday at the Vyšné German border crossing. In the following days, it is also possible to provide the number of Ukrainian refugees who require temporary refuge in Slovakia, so it is necessary to prepare sufficient accommodation capacity.

“The numbers (coming, note TASR) are relatively stable and the speed of their processing is high, the processes are set up well. However, we expect the wave fleeing the war to grow, so we need to prepare even higher numbers so that the transition remains smooth and, above all, pleasant for the people who are coming,” he said.

He noted that Ukrainian refugees come to Slovakia stressed, they often experience shelling during the move, so they need to be provided with a “pleasant entry” at the border. In this context, they appreciated all the work involved so far.

According to the prime minister, among more than 100,000 war refugees who have crossed the Ukrainian-Slovak border since the outbreak of the conflict, about 5,000 people have asked for a so-called temporary refuge. The institute of “temporary refuge”, which was introduced in Slovakia this week, is to be an inspiration for other member states, which will negotiate its adoption next week, according to Heger. The Prime Minister reminded that they do not have to apply for such a status at the border.

An important artery

According to the Prime Minister, the accommodation capacities available to the state, which are also available thanks to the offers of private persons and providers, are sufficient for everyone, whether they are just passing through Slovakia or have requested a temporary refuge. “However, it must be ensured that we are able to provide as many people as possible,He said.

In addition to preparations for strengthening humanitarian aid in Slovakia, the state is also trying to streamline aid to Ukraine. “We see that this is important at the moment. “ He stated that such assistance should lead through the border crossing Čierna nad Tisou – Čop. On Saturday, Heger also communicated with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki about managing aid in Slovakia and the interior.

Source: TASR