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Over 132,000 Donbass residents evacuated to Russia since February 18 — source

As many as 22 Russian regions are already accepting those evacuated

MOSCOW, March 1. /TASS/. More than 132,000 Donbass residents have been evacuated to Russia since February 18, a source in law enforcement agencies told TASS on Tuesday.

"As of the morning of March 1, some 132,100 [Donbass residents] crossed the Russian border, over 82,000 of them are citizens of Ukraine, more than 49,000 others - of Russia and 427 - of other states," the source noted.

The source also stated that more than 18,500 Donbass residents are staying in some 259 temporary accommodation centers. As many as 22 Russian regions are already accepting those evacuated.

The healthcare services reported that over 4,300 Donbass residents sought medical help, including 1,600 children. Over 1,000 people were diagnosed with the COVID-19.

On February 18, the leaders of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, Leonid Pasechnik and Denis Pushilin, announced that the Donbass residents would be evacuated to Russia amid the growing threat of hostilities.

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