King Philippe of Belgium meets with Ukrainian refugees.Photo: Frédéric Andrieu/Belgian Royal Palace via Instagram
The Belgian royals are opening their own homes to Ukrainian families fleeingRussia’s ongoing invasion.
Three royal properties are being repurposed for family housing, the Belgian royal palace confirmed on Thursday.
Current estimates anticipate over 200,000 Ukrainians will seek refuge in Belgium. Located in Western Europe, figures indicate approximately 10,000 Ukrainians — primarily women and children — have already reached Belgium and formally registered for assistance.
According to the Royal Trust, a charity created in 1900 to manage royal family assets, property in Brussels and another in the Wallonia region will be repurposed. The accommodations will become available for housing in early April.
Queen Mathilde of Belgium and King Phillipe of Belgium.Julian Parker/Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty
A third property in Tervuren, on the outskirts of Brussels, that was previously used as a vaccination center, will also be offered as accommodation for Ukrainian refugees.
“These are accommodations whose original purpose was to be made available to social agencies to accommodate people on low incomes, " Jan Smets, president of the Royal Trust, said. “That mission corresponds well to what we wish to achieve with the Royal Trust.”
The families “can stay here as long as necessary,” Smets added.
The British royal family has also shown their support for Ukraine in various ways over recent weeks. Prince William and Kate Middletonvisited the Ukrainian Cultural Centrein London to hear about the efforts being made to support Ukrainians in the U.K. and across Europe. AndPrince CharlesandCamilla, Duchess of Cornwallhad anemotional meetingwith Ukrainians in London.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyythanked Britain’s royal familyfor voicing their support for the country on March 1.
“Good will triumph,” he added.
More than 3 million refugees, mostly women and children, have fled Ukraine since the Russian invasion began on Feb. 24, according to the United Nations. Two-thirds of those people entered Poland, with 300,000 continuing their voyage to countries in Western Europe.
Ukrainian refugees are eligible to live, work and attend school in European Union countries for at least a year, according to new immigration policy, The Washington Post reports.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits wounded civilians.Ukraine Presidency/Ukraine Presi/Planet Pix via ZUMA Press Wire
Russian attacks continue some three weeks after their forces launched a large-scale invasion on Feb. 24 — the first major land conflict in Europe in decades.
With NATO forces massing in the region around Ukraine, various countries have also pledged aid or military support to the resistance. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for peace talks — so far unsuccessful — while urging his country to fight back.
source: people.com
