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Central Russian region says it can accommodate 100,000 Ukrainian refugees

YAROSLAVL, March 04. /ITAR-TASS/. The Yaroslavl region in central Russia was ready to accommodate on a temporary basis up to 100,000 refugees from Ukraine, the deputy head of the Russian Ministry for Emergency Situations’ regional department said on Tuesday.

“One of the tasks of the International Civil Defense Organization, of which Russia and Ukraine are members, is humanitarian aid and assistance to refugees,” Artyom Belousov said. “According to early assessment, we are ready to accommodate up to 50,000 people in the region for a long term. Up to 100,000 people can get a temporary refuge,” he said referring to ethnic Russians fleeing Ukraine.

Yaroslavl Region Governor Sergei Yastrebov, also said on Monday the region could offer humanitarian aid to Ukraine and accommodate its refugees.

“Cultural centers, schools and sports halls can be used as temporary accommodation centers. However, they are not designed for long-term stationing,” Belousov said, adding that the region situated in a cold-temperature zone had restricted possibilities for long-term accommodation, as it would be insufficient to just put up tents in the streets, especially in the winter time.

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