A bus carrying dozens of Ukrainian refugees who fled their country following the Russian invasion arrived in Athens late Monday.

The women and children who arrived in the Greek capital after the long journey were tested for COVID-19.

Many were to be hosted by relatives, others would be hosted by the greater Athens prefecture.

The refugees were handed gifts and some became emotional when they described the fear they experienced under shelling in the cities of Lviv and Chernivtsi.

They also spoke about their male relatives that stayed back to fight.

According to Greek authorities 1,032 Ukrainian citizens have crossed into Greece in the last five days.

Greece had expressed willingness to accommodate refugees in solidarity with Ukraine and will continue to work closely with the embassy to facilitate more, according to a statement from the Ministry of Citizen Protection.