Ukrainian Refugees Hold Protest Against Poor Living Conditions In Bulgaria

Ukrainian refugees who arrived in Bulgaria were outraged by the living conditions in the buffer center in Elhovo, according to a report by the Bulgarian television channel bTV.

A group of 35 Ukrainians, including 12 children, “protested” against their placement in metal cabins and “uncomfortable” living conditions. Initially, the refugees, who arrived in the country about a week ago, were promised that they would stay in Elhovo for several days, but for now they remain there.

“There is only one problem: they brought us here, they put us in a hotel for two days, now they don’t tell us when we will be settled from here. Either we go home, or … We don’t know what to do,” said a man named Anatoly.

One of the women called the food normal, but living conditions were “uncomfortable”. “Don’t lie down, don’t stand up, don’t sit down – nothing,” she complained. Another Ukrainian woman said that the beds in the trailers are very low, and the children are nervous because of the lack of space. “It is very uncomfortable to sleep with a child, to turn around, that there is one on one square ,” the refugee complained.

Another Ukrainian who arrived in Bulgaria said that things were “not normal.” “I don’t know, I’m just in shock, I don’t know what to do. There is no money for the return trip,” her neighbor emphasized.

The head of the Bulgarian region of Yambolskaya, said the refugees would stay in this place until places of their next stay were determined, adding that people could stay there for 14 days.

The Bulgarian Interim Government had previously decided to extend the housing program for Ukrainian refugees at the expense of the state until November 15.

This program initially required the transfer of Ukrainian refugees to hotels at the expense of the state, and according to the new instructions they are transferred to local centers.