The number of families arriving in the Grand Duchy from war-torn Ukraine is rising by the day, putting the country's accommodation facilities to the test.

"We have now accommodated around 1,000 people and we have 1,400 beds available. This morning we had 2,500 applications, which increased to 2,900 in the course of the day. So you see how quickly things are moving," Minister for Foreign Affairs Jean Asselborn explained on Tuesday.

The applications are for the temporary protection status given to Ukrainian refugees on a EU-wide level. These requests are processed by the Direction of Immigration, which is part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. People who are granted this status are permitted to work in the country, while their children can go to school.

Asselborn is expecting many more people to arrive. Currenly 1,300 beds are available in primary establishments. Temporary accommodation will be added at the LuxExpo and in Moutfort.

200 beds have already been set up at the Centre Culturel in Moutfort, and are nearly fully occupied. A large warehouse is currently being converted which can house another 500 people, including those who will have to leave LuxExpo by 11 April.

Clothes, blankets, toys and toiletries are being distributed in a number of places around the country, such as the sports centre in Contern, next to the town hall. People can donate 8am to 6pm on weekdays, but a certificate is required.

Many refugees have also been housed privately. Anyone getting international protection has a right to 200 euros a month, whether they are in government or private accommodation. Food and drink are also provided, of course. Children can go to school and adults can register at the Adem if they wish. Everyone is entitled to medical and psychological support.

Regarding the war tearing Ukraine apart, Jean Asselborn did not hold back: Putin has thrown away his conscience, he said, calling the war a disgrace to humanity and a source of despair. Military intervention can only cause further escalation, but the Russian president is now far beyond the reaches of ordinary diplomacy.