'Bombs, bombs, bombs': Ukrainian refugees describe harrowing journey to Poland Europe is on the front lines of a major refugee crisis, as vulnerable and exhausted Ukrainians flee Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion. The personal stories of those fleeing are filled with anguish: Families torn apart. Daughters having to choose between saving their parents or their own children. Kids clutching blankets and teddy bears. "I really don't know what we're going to do now. We have little money and no place to stay," Viktoria Bondareva, 31, said Wednesday. She was traveling with her daughter, 3, and son, 9. The kids' father stayed behind to help defend the city. One man intends to return to Kyiv to help the Ukrainian resistance after settling his wife and children with friends who live in Poland. He has no military training but plans to help the war effort other ways. Olena Lozhechnikova, 44, had to choose between her mother, 74, and her daughter, 11. "I had to leave my mother behind," she said tearing up as she reflected on her wrenching decision. "It's very painful for all Ukrainians to understand what is happening right now," said Violeta Khrdsova, 30, who son Damir told USA TODAY about the "bombs" he saw on his escape ride from Ukraine. "Physically I am in Poland now but my mind is back home." Go to the link in our bio to read more 📸 Jessica Koscielniak (@photojeskos), USA TODAY