Thousands of Ukrainian refugees who sought shelter from Russia’s invasion in Bulgaria are now moving on to other countries amid a dispute about housing, transmits MIA.
Bulgaria had initially housed a fair portion of the Ukrainian arrivals in hotels along its Black Sea coast. But now, with the tourist season arriving, Bulgaria is saying the refugees need to be relocated to less prime property.
The Ukrainians are bridling at the push, saying they are worried they won’t have access to critical services if they are moved inland. Thus, many have decamped to other countries. Many have boarded buses to Romania, from which they hope to travel further on to Western Europe.
On Thursday, Bulgarian authorities counted about 80,600 Ukrainian refugees in their country.
That was a steep drop from Monday, when the count stood at about 90,000. Deputy Prime Minister Kalina Konstantinova apologized to the refugees on Thursday for any tensions caused by the change in housing policy.
Nonetheless, some people are not leaving Bulgaria. Those who have not been able to find private housing or someone with whom to stay are following Bulgarian instructions and moving inland.
Two centers have been set up, but the arrivals are complaining that there is no access to warm water or food for children.
