Less than two weeks into Russia's invasion, 2 million Ukrainians have fled their country. The stunning number includes 1 million children — "a dark historical first," according to a tweet from UNICEF spokesman James Elder — underscoring the severity of the crisis unfolding from Russian President Vladimir Putin's illegal, immoral war.
This number does not include those displaced by the Russian bombardment who remain in Ukraine. In fact, the refugee exodus would be bigger if more Ukrainians were granted safe passage from the indiscriminate attacks. But for the most part, few humanitarian corridors have been safely established, with negotiations between Russia and Ukraine bogged down on many issues, including on some of Russia's suggested routes: east, into Russia itself, or north, into Belarus, Russia's partner in (possible war) crime.
That goes beyond cynical. It's sinister. Refugees could become prisoners or pawns in Putin's homicidal game of geopolitical chess.
