MOSCOW, August 1 (RIA Novosti) - The number of temporary accommodation facilities in Russia for refugees from southeastern Ukraine has exceeded 500, housing almost 38,000 people, an emergency response center representative told RIA Novosti on Friday.
“Seventeen additional temporary settlements were opened, making the total number of shelters 514, housing 37,550 people,” the representative said.
According to the source, over 20,000 people have been transported from Rostov Region, Crimea and Sevastopol to the inner regions of the country.
The refugee influx to Russia has grown tremendously since June, as clashes between pro-Kiev forces and independence supporters continue in eastern Ukraine.
According to the Russian Federal Migration Service, more than 500,000 refugees from Ukraine have entered Russia since April. Most of them are staying with friends or relatives.
