CNN spoke with both children and teachers who have left Ukraine as a result of the Russian invasion.
CNN’s Miguel Marquez visited a facility in Romania that is housing children with varying degrees of mental or physical disabilities.
One boy told Marquez, “I have no mother and father. They died,” adding, “I lived in several places and I know it’s important to listen to my teachers and behave myself.”
A teacher explained it is a “tragic moment for all of us.”
She continued, “It’s a huge challenge for the system and our community but we have the resources to care for these children.”
Another child said, “Our trip took all morning and all night.” His sister chimed in, adding, “I’m thinking about my family. My mother can’t walk, she was injured in a vehicle accident.”
Marquez noted nearly 220 Ukrainian children are now in Romania, citing immigration officials.
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When asked how long she would be in Romania, one girl said, “Maybe two or three months. Maybe four months.”
Another teacher explained they “believe in a better future and that the war will be over. I believe Ukraine will stay united as a nation.”
When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, the boy said, “I want to be an American,” adding, “I also want to fly into space and take my teacher with me.”
A psychologist working with children who have fled Ukraine slammed Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him the “second Hitler.”
She continued, “If the world doesn’t stop him, there will be World War III.”
The Washington Post reported on Wednesday one million children have fled Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of the country. James Elder, a spokesman for UNICEF, said, “We’ve never faced a refugee crisis of this speed and scale.”
