Ukrainians with cats flee to neighboring countries seeking safety

When the Russian invasion of Ukraine began three weeks ago, residents in Kyiv were urged to take up arms against Putin’s forces.

While thousands of Ukrainians began to flee their country, many are refusing to leave without their pets by their side.

RELATED: Foreign med student flees Ukraine with his two cats tucked into his coat

Many residents wanting to avoid the fierce fight have been flooding into subways to shield themselves and their pets from the attack.

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Citizens caught in the crossfire are grabbing their suitcases and their cats as they seek safety in bomb shelters or neighboring countries.

RELATED: Ukrainian couple flees Kyiv with their 2 cats and half tank of gas!

Many Ukrainians are taking their cats with them underground into metro subway stations to seek shelter from Russian airstrikes.

Others are fleeing to nearby countries. According to recent reports, Poland, Romania and Slovakia are allowing Ukrainians to bring pets across borders without veterinary paperwork.

RELATED: Poland offers safe-havens and free vet care for Ukrainian pets

Ukrainian soldiers are being comforted by homeless cats and stray cats that have found shelter in their trenches…

RELATED: Ukrainian soldiers blessed with the love of stray cats

while heroic volunteers and shelter workers are staying behind in the face of missile strikes to care for homeless animals.

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