HUNGARY: A Russian software engineer, Mikhail Liublin, and his Ukrainian girlfriend (who declined to give her name), travelled five days on several trains and buses to reach Hungary from the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, while hearing bombs set off along the way and wondering if they would ever make it.

Finally arriving at the border crossing at Zahony, Hungary, the couple kissed happily while waiting in line for train tickets to Budapest. Commenting on their situation, Liublin said, "It's unusual I guess because unlike all the other people here I am from Russia. I (have) lived in Ukraine for about a year. And when this craziness happened I was like [what is going on] because it's just insane.”

He added, “It is insane. And Russia will pay for it, for many years, and Putin should be tried,” referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Last Thursday, 24 February, President Putin launched a "special military operation,” which he stated was a bid to disarm Ukraine, capture the "neo-Nazis" he says are running the country, and crush Ukraine’s hopes of establishing closer ties with the West.

Massive international sanctions against Russia have been sparked since the beginning of the invasion, while the Russian military launched increasing air strikes and bombardments in an attempt to encircle and subdue Ukrainian cities on Wednesday, 2 March.

The couple said they have found it almost unbelievable that they were finally able to complete their long journey to Hungary, as they could hear bombings and shootings almost every day while making their way to the border.

With a huge smile on his face, Liublin said, "It's going to be very difficult now, but hopefully, hopefully, it will work out and fingers crossed that Ukraine will stand its ground, and kindness and truth will win.”

Soon after, the couple boarded the next train to the Hungarian capital of Budapest.