Millions of people have been fleeing their homes in Ukraine since the Russian invasion on 24 February 2022 turned into a full-fledged war. In Cahul, a border region in the south of the Republic of Moldova, local public authorities, volunteers and civil society are doing what they can to help, guide and host those on the move.

On 24 February, Natalia, Irina and Cristina, three friends and mothers from Odessa, woke up to the sound of air-raid sirens and explosions. Russia’s military offensive had begun.