On global holiday, a ‘terrible dream’ for Ukrainian women

By JUSTIN SPIKE and BELA SZANDELSZKY
Associated Press

ZAHONY, Hungary (AP) — International Women’s Day is a global day to celebrate women, but many fleeing Ukraine felt only the stress of finding a new life for their children as husbands, brothers and fathers stayed behind to defend their country from Russia’s invasion. The United Nations says the number of refugees reached 2 million Tuesday, the fastest exodus Europe has seen since World War II. Polina Shulga tried to ease the journey for her 3-year-old daughter by hiding the truth. She told the little girl they were going on vacation and would return home one day, when the war is over. Volunteers at some border crossings handed spring bouquets to women as they entered Poland and Romania.