A sobbing Ukrainian dad bidding farewell to his anguished daughter before she began her trek to flee the war-torn country has caught the attention of the world in a viral video.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Ukrainian father who was forced to stay behind because of a ban that prevents all able-fighting men from leaving the nation bade the hardest goodbye to his daughter.
In the viral video, which has been liked by thousands, the father made a tearful farewell and embraced the little girl.
The man was seen hugging and kissing his daughter and wife before seeing them off as they leave in a vehicle to get them out of the country.
In the video filmed from the safe zone, both were seen clearly sobbing as the father prepares the young girl to leave with her mother, exiting the country for at least the foreseeable future.
The Ukrainian border agency had banned men between the ages of 18 and 60 from leaving the country amid the ongoing Russia invasion. According to the agency, the measure is aimed at “guaranteeing Ukraine’s defense and the organization of timely mobilisation.”
The temporary ban which was declared on Thursday, will remain in force for the duration of martial law declared.
Meanwhile the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has just signed a decree ordering a general mobilisation, as all Ukrainians who can carry arms have been urged to defend their homeland.
According to the decree which is to be in effect for 90 days, the country’s conscripts and reservists are also being called up.
Legendary boxers and brothers Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko are also among those who have vowed to fight for Ukraine amidst the ongoing invasion.
Mothers and young children have been waving farewell to their loved ones they are forced to leave behind.
The UN Refugee Agency said 100,000 people have so far been forced to flee their homes with thousands leaving the country.
UNHCR spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo said, “We believe that some 100,000 people must have already left their homes and may be displaced inside the country, and several thousand have crossed international borders.”
