The Ukrainians who continue to flee their homeland in droves since Russia launched a full-scale invasion last week could become "the biggest refugee crisis in Europe this century," UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi warned on Tuesday.
"We are witnessing what could become the biggest refugee crisis in Europe this century," Grandi said.
"We have seen a huge amount of solidarity and hospitality from nearby countries who have taken in refugees - by local communities and individual citizens. And we'll need to protect those who are arriving," Grandi stated.
The number of people who have fled Ukraine to neighbouring countries since Russia launched a full-scale attack on Thursday has reached 677,000, Grandi tweeted earlier on Tuesday.
United Nations humanitarian agencies and their partners have launched an appeal to donors for $1.7 billion to help civilians inside Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees in the region, Grandi's tweet said.
The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) projected that more than 4 million Ukrainian refugees may eventually need protection and assistance in neighbouring countries.
