A Ukrainian mum was in tears as she thanked Slovakians for looking after her 11-year-old son who fled alone and made the 750 mile journey to the border with just his passport, a rucksack and a telephone number written on his hand.
Little Hasan is one of the 1.7 million refugees who has now left Ukraine following the Russian invasion and he managed to cross the border on his own without the help of an adult.
In another harrowing story from Ukraine, he left his family behind in Zaporizhzhia with his widowed mum Julia Pisecka Volodymyrivna having to stay behind to look after her own mum who was too frail to travel.
A Facebook post from the Slovakian interior ministry said: “The boy was taken care of by many. Whether police, soldiers, customs or volunteers and various religious or civil organizations. The boy was provided with transport to Bratislava to meet his family. He is fine!”
Slovakian officials on the border rang the number on his hand and discovered that he had family in the country’s capital Bratislava.
He was given food and drink and helped on his way while he has amazed the Slovakian officials with his bravery.
“He won over everyone with his smile, fearlessness and determination worthy of a real hero,” said the Facebook statement.
Hasan’s mum has now made a video where she thanked officials and volunteers for looking after her son.
“I am a widow and I have more children," she said.
“I want to thank the Slovak customs and volunteers who took care of my son and helped him cross the border. I am grateful you have saved my child’s life. Next to my town is a nuclear power plant that the Russians are shooting at.
“I couldn’t leave my mother, she can’t move on her own.”
She also thanks the Slovakians for their "big hearts".
The Slovakian government has been publishing stories on Facebook of the relief effort and refugees arriving from Ukraine while appealing for help from its citizens.
Interior minister Roman Mikulec also paid tribute to Hasan.
He wrote: "Little Hasan is only 11 years old, but in his way he has shown huge determination, courage and fearlessness that sometimes adults don't have.
"I am really very sorry for him and all the other children and their families who have to flee their country because of what is happening in Ukraine. Together with his siblings, he has already asked for temporary protection.
"I assure all those who flee from Ukraine due to the war that here in Slovakia we are ready to help. You will find security with us and if you ask for temporary protection, you will be provided with health care, social security, food, accommodation, education and job opportunities.
"The fact that you ask for temporary protection in Slovakia does not mean that you will not be able to travel to other EU countries."
