Poland, work is being done to restore the railway line connecting Vienna to Lviv
Built by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the railway could become an exit route for thousands of Ukrainians who are leaving the country. The reportage of the Sky TG24 correspondent Monica Napoli from Kroscienko
He has been working non-stop for days in Kroscienko, a small town close to the border with Ukraine. Dozens of workers are busy restoring the 12-year-old railroad track, built a century and a half ago during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, used to connect Vienna to Lviv. Track that today could become a way out for the thousands of Ukrainians who are leaving the country. Once in operation, at least six trains a day can pass through here, say Polish Railways, and thus relieve the pressure on Przsemil (WAR IN UKRAINE, THE SPECIAL – THE REPORTAGE – THE VIDEOBLOG – THE UPDATES).
Thousands arrive from the Kruscienko crossing
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Meanwhile, thousands also arrive from the Kruscienko pass. They arrive on foot, in the snow after spending the night in the cold. Someone is in the car and on the cars there are signs warning of the presence of children. They arrive exhausted, find medical assistance and a hot meal. They tell of very long and dangerous journeys. Like Anna and her daughters: they left on March 4th, they arrived in Poland after 5 days. “We come from Karkhif, our city is completely destroyed, we have nothing left,” she says. From the border they are taken to a nearby school where their documents are checked, they are given a hot meal and the necessary help, then whoever can leave immediately, others stay for a few days. She has dozens of strollers left at the disposal of Ukrainian mothers.
Hundreds of volunteers from all over Europe to help refugees
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To assist people fleeing the war are firefighters, NGOs from different countries and volunteers from all over Europe such as Dylan, an American student in Paris, who decided to come after seeing the images on TV . “Faced with the courage of the Ukrainians and this wave of solidarity, I could only come here and dare a hand”. They are the volunteers who come from all over Europe. “When people cross the border we try not to talk about what is happening, about the war,” explains Isabella, a Polish volunteer. She comes from a nearby town and will stay as long as needed.