By Nikolett Csanyi

ZAHONY, Hungary, (Reuters) – Mikhail Liublin, a Russian engineer and software developer, and his Ukrainian girlfriend travelled for five days by train and bus to Budapest from Kyiv. Sometimes they thought it would be impossible because of the bombs that were heard along their journey.

They were waiting in line to purchase tickets for a train to Budapest, crossing the border at Zahony. The couple then kissed and embraced.

“I’m Russian and I stand out from the rest of them,” Liublin said. Liublin explained that he lived about one year in Ukraine.

It’s insane. Russia will also pay, over many, long years. Putin must be tried,” he stated, in reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Putin called a “special army operation” to capture and disarm Ukraine last Thursday. This was to end the hopes that the West would have closer ties.

The Russian military tried to subdue Ukrainian cities by intensifying their bombardment on Wednesday, several days after the invasion which has been the subject of massive international sanctions.

Liublin stated that he had found it nearly unbelievable that he and his girlfriend had completed the long trip to Hungary. There had been shootings, bombings almost daily.

With a big smile, the young man stated, “It will be difficult now. However, hopefully, hopefully. It will work out. And fingers crossed that Ukraine will remain its ground. Kindness will win.”

The couple boarded the next train that took them to Budapest.