Relocation options for Ukrainian and Russian citizens
Railroads initiative to variou countries out of Ukraine.
Destination countries/refugee shelters for Ukraine
Note that martial law in effect in the country prevents male between 18 and 60 to get out. Some borders respect this some don’t - it’s a bit of a lottery as it appears right now . also the president is expected to sign a document shortly to draft ALL MEN to war
Lviv seems like a safe space temporarily. This city is very close to the border with Poland, doesn't have many military objectives nearby, and is now home to many diplomats and embassies that have been moved here from Kyiv - making it an unlikely target for air or ground assaults. That being said, air sirens are occasionally going off there and the situation is dynamic so any folks relocating here should be ready to head toward Poland should things take a turn for the worse.
Romania
Is receiving refugees - > everyone with an ID can pass the border and it appears crossing time according to official resources is short but didn’t manage to confirm with locals https://www.politiadefrontiera.ro/ro/traficonline/
Here’s information on how to cross the border legally vs as an asylum seeker (second part of the doc is in english)
If you are refused entry contact +40 730 073 170. Or office@cnnr.ro
If you need asylum you can contact +40 0721206 926
Poland
Is receiving refugees if you have a passport.
https://twitter.com/thekitze/status/1496945728685494274?s=20&t=UFhciLlHY0IGqEBh2a4FRw
Polish government site (Help for Ukrainian citizens): https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc/ukraina-en and
https://www.gov.pl/web/mswia-en/information-for-refugees-from-ukraine
More information here one facebook https://www.facebook.com/vika.prydatko/posts/10222643303406176 and on telegram as well https://t.me/bysol_evacuation
Question: In these Polish reception sites, are there access points for refugees to withdraw cash? Banks or financial institutions that we can Zelle/Western Union money to? I have a family member who does not have extensive cash on hand.
Slovakia
is receiving refugees even without a valid passport!
Accepts refugees if they have passwords and is preparing to accept many.
https://spectator.sme.sk/c/22848160/slovakia-will-let-everybody-fleeing-ukraine-in.html
Chernivtsi
For those who may want to stay in Ukraine or are making their way to Romania and need somewhere to stay as a hub in transportation. This is close to the Romanian border with minimal to no military objectives. Have many friends who have evacuated here from various cities in Ukraine. I would urge caution in driving around in central/eastern Ukraine at the moment. A lot of the primary mechanisms of transportation/popular routes are actively being used in military operations. Please plan your travel carefully.
Bulgaria
has a more streamlined operation through this VC https://www.vitosha.vc/ukraine
Czech Republic
REFUGEE FACILITIES ADMINISTRATION OF THE MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR CZECH REPUBLIC - http://www.suz.cz/en/, email: ubytovaniukrajina@suz.cz
Transport:
www.expedicniklubovna.cz – they are preparing to send to Ukraine personal train with medical aid and bring back the refugees
www.cd.cz – ready to send trains to Ukraine for refugees – capacity 6000 – coordinated by Ministry of Transport with the Ukraine embassy in Prague
Destination countries for Russia
Add information about countries that might be open to accepting relocation from Russia.
Turkey
Visa: Ukrainian and Russian citizens don’t need visas for trips less than 60 days ( 180 days in total in 6 months period ),
How to stay longer: to stay in Turkey for a longer period, you need to receive ikamet, the document that allows you to stay for 1 year when you get it for the first time and 2 years for all next times.
How to go there: I know only routes for Russia, you can pass land checkpoints from Georgia.
Step by step:
Fly or Drive to Turkey, preferable to stay in the big city like Ankara or Istanbul ( ~5-6 hours driving from Ankara as officials here work faster and you have higher chances that your paperwork will be done not in 4 month)
Find an Airbnb apartment for 1-2 months
Find appropriate accommodation for a longer period of time ( I can give some advice about Istanbul in terms of neighborhoods and good places, but have no Idea about other places)
Talk to the owner about long-term rent ( Important! It should be official )
After you picked up a place apply for the ikamet and follow the guide below
Here’s a good guide about documentation and process of getting it (in Russian)
http://room-number.ru/turkey/ikamet/
Latvia
Ukrainian citizens don't need visa to enter, work visa can be arranged relatively quickly and easily.
Not sure about citizens from Russia.