UN says more than 2.5 million refugees have now fled Ukraine

More than 2.5 million Ukrainians have now fled their home country as Russia continues to attack and kill civilians, according to a report from the United Nations.

That figure includes more than 1 million children, the international group said Thursday.

The figure has more than doubled in the week since the last report was issued and arrives just past the two-week mark of the Russian invasion.

U.S. analysts initially predicted that the crisis could create as many as 5 million refugees – a figure that may soon be met. 

Most of the refugees – 1.5 million of them – have fled to neighboring Poland, though many Ukrainians – roughly 1.9, according to estimates – have been internally displaced to other regions of the country, particularly the western edge, where Russia in the past couple of days has reportedly began to hit with missiles.

Others have fled to Moldova, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary.

The UN also estimates that about 13 million Ukrainians have been "directly impacted by the conflict."

A spokesperson for the UN High Commission on Refugees said, "Food, water, medicines and medical care, shelter, basic household items, blankets, mattresses, cash, building materials, generators and fuel are urgently needed."