Vitaly, a Red Cross worker, shares the aid efforts for Ukrainian refugees in Przemysl. Kasia Madera discusses Polish elections and regional attitudes towards the conflict. They share heartwarming stories of hosted guests and the challenges faced by Ukrainians. The impact of war on people, Polish support, and the aftermath of the Hiroshima attack are also explored.
The majority of Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war and arriving in Poland are women and children, as fighting-age men face difficulties leaving the country.
Despite recent tensions, Poland remains in solidarity with Ukraine due to concerns about Russian aggression, which is evident in their support for Ukrainian refugees and the upcoming elections.
Deep dives
Ukrainian refugees seeking safety in Poland
The podcast episode discusses the situation of Ukrainian refugees who have fled the war and arrived in Poland seeking safety. Thousands of Ukrainians disembark from trains in the town of Chemechel, where a refugee reception center provides assistance and advice on accommodation and next steps. The demographics of those leaving Ukraine have shifted, with mostly women and children leaving due to fighting-age men being unable to leave. Despite the influx of refugees, there is no tension between local Poles and Ukrainian arrivals.
Political situation in Poland and its impact on Ukraine
The episode explores the upcoming elections in Poland and the potential impact on relations with Ukraine. The current ruling party, Law and Justice, has a conservative, nationalist stance and has been supportive of Ukraine. However, there are tight polls, and if a coalition is needed, it may involve right-leaning parties like Confederation. Despite recent tensions and strains in Poland-Ukraine relations, the narrative in Poland remains one of solidarity with Ukraine due to concerns about Russian aggression.
Red Cross humanitarian aid center in Shemashil
The episode features an interview with Victoria Agoriska, a volunteer at the Red Cross humanitarian aid center in Shemashil, close to the Polish-Ukrainian border. The center provides temporary shelter and support for Ukrainian refugees. Victoria shares stories of the hardships faced by refugees, their experiences in occupied territories, and the dangerous routes they take to reach Poland. Despite the challenges, the center aims to offer a safe space for rest and a sense of hope for those seeking refuge.
Vitaly is in a Red Cross humanitarian aid centre in Przemysl, on the Polish-Ukrainian border, finding out what aid workers are doing to help Ukrainian refugees.
The BBC’s Kasia Madera, in North Macedonia, explains the up-coming Polish elections and attitudes towards the conflict in the rest of the region.
Today’s episode is presented by Lyse Doucet and Vitaly Shevchenko.
The producers were Keiligh Baker, Ivana Davidovic and Arsenii Sokolov. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
Email Ukrainecast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram to +44 330 1239480.
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