MOSCOW, May 12. /TASS/. The Russian Federation accepted about 19,500 people, including 4,000 children, evacuated from dangerous zones of Ukraine and the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk (DPR and LPR), the Russian National Defense Control Center chief, Colonel General Mikhail Mizintsev, said on Thursday.
"Despite all hindrances that are being created by Kiev, a total of 19,575 people, including 4,006 children, were evacuated to Russia in the past 24 hours from dangerous areas of Ukraine and the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk, without the Ukrainian government’s participation," said Mizintsev, who also heads Russia's interagency coordination center for humanitarian response in Ukraine.
"The total number of evacuees since the start of the special military operation stands at 1,237,256 people, including 215,583 children," he added.
A total of 165,876 personal vehicles have crossed the Russian border, including 7,810 in the past 24 hours.
"We continue to keep a sufficient number of comfortable buses at border crossings, allowing to take people to areas of their choice, or to temporary shelters where hot meals are provided. Timely medical and psychological assistance is rendered. Over 9,500 temporary shelters are operating in Russian regions," Mizintsev said.
Refugees arriving in Russia receive various types of social assistance as well, including in the matters of lodging, employment, education and care for their children. They are also consulted on social benefits.