Ukraine war: Refugee boy, 11, travels 600 miles by himself to Slovakian border with phone number written on his hand

An 11-year-old Ukrainian refugee who travelled 600 miles across the country to the Slovakian border by himself has been reunited with his relatives.

The young boy had left Zaporizhzhia and journeyed almost the entire width of the country carrying just a plastic bag and a passport and with a phone number written on his hand.

He had travelled completely alone because his parents had to stay in Ukraine, but was taken care of by volunteers when he reached the border with neighbouring Slovakia.

A reported 1.7 million Ukrainian refugees have now fled to neighbouring countries following the invasion by Russia, and it is thought the number could rise to as many as four million by July.

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The boy was among those who fled from Zaporizhzhia in eastern Ukraine, the site of Europe's largest nuclear power plant and a recent battle between Ukrainian and Russian forces.

In a message on the Facebook page of the Slovakian Ministry of Interior, a spokesperson praised the boy's fearlessness and determination.

They added that the boy had been cared for by volunteers and given food and drink.

Thanks to the number written on his hand and a piece of paper he was carrying, staff managed to contact relatives who came to meet him, the spokesperson added.

More than 128,000 refugees have arrived in Slovakia since February 24, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

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