ASTRAKHAN, March 03. /ITAR-TASS/. The Astrakhan region in southern Russia is ready to host 15,000 refugees from Ukraine as well as to provide accommodation for them, medical assistance and even motor transport to take them to the region, Victoria Mysova, the regional government spokeswoman, told Itar-Tass on Monday.

The Astrakhan region Governor Alexander Zhilkin ordered all regional authorities and ministries to look into what they could do to render humanitarian and medical aid to victims of unrest and rioting in Ukraine, Mysova said.

“Several hotline phone numbers will be available starting today. Callers will be able to use them to find out what kind of assistance will be available in the Astrakhan region,” she added.

The regional authorities announced earlier they were ready to help the people of Ukraine both with accommodation and employment. The initiative gained support from the regional legislature. Local businesses have also expressed their willingness to provide financial assistance.