The level of reception of Ukrainians in Lika (region) is high in every respect and refugee children go to school there, the ambassador said. It is not just nice words and gestures, but the friendly and family reception of refugees from Ukraine due to the Russian aggression, he added.
“The strongest word I bring you is thanks. I can confirm that Ukrainians in Croatia, in Osijek, in Lika and elsewhere, have been welcomed warmly, which makes us happy because in this sad moment of cries it means a lot to receive such a hand of support as the refugees are receiving from Croatia,” the ambassador said.
There are more than 600 Ukrainian refugees in Lika-Senj County and nearly 700 have passed through the reception centre in Gospić. Some of them have been accommodated in Karlovac County.
Forty-nine refugees have been accommodated in Gospić’s Hotel Ana and another 97 elsewhere in the town.
Prefect Petry said the county was prepared to take in more refugees, “depending on the need of the Ukrainian population.” To date, he added, 15 Ukrainians have found employment.
Andrii Melnychenko, the father of a family with four children, said they felt at home in Gospić because Croatians “have welcomed us beautifully, with a big heart.”
He said their 11-month-old daughter had to be taken to Zagreb for an emergency operation and was now doing fine. “I am forever grateful that we received this help, for free even and of great quality.”
On his and the behalf of all Ukrainian refugees in Gospić, whether Orthodox or Greek Catholic, he said they all prayed to the same God for peace, peace and family happiness.
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