The European Union is stepping up aid for Ukraine and is moving toward granting temporary protection to those fleeing Russia’s invasion. EU Commission President Urusla von der Leyen has said, all those fleeing Putin’s bombs are welcome in Europe. She said, EU will provide protection to those seeking shelter and help those looking for a safe way home.

The EU Commission announced today it will give temporary residence permits to the refugees and allow them rights to education and work in the 27-nation bloc.

Yesterday EU Chief committed at least half a billion euros of the bloc’s budget to deal with the humanitarian consequences of the war in Ukraine.