There were emotional scenes as Ukrainians arrived in Sydney and Melbourne, fleeing their war-torn country and reuniting with loved ones.
While many were relieved and thankful to arrive in Australia on Saturday, for some it was bittersweet as they left behind family and friends.
At Sydney Airport, Alex Soroka was reunited with his parents, sister, niece and nephew.
"I'm so happy and so relaxed now because I was waiting for my family for a whole week. It was a difficult week in my life because when war is going in your country you worry about what will happen tomorrow" he said.
"I'm so happy and I'm so grateful to [the] Australian government. They provided visas so quickly, and for all the support Australia is doing for Ukrainians - thank you very much."
Alex Soroka greets his family who have arrived from Ukraine. Source: SBS News
Whilst women and children are free to evacuate Ukraine, men of fighting age must stay behind, many of them heading to the frontline.
Russian forces have continued to encroach upon Ukraine's capital Kyiv, a once bustling city, with now more than half its population gone.
At Melbourne Airport, some said family members were left behind.
Iryna Balvan and her daughter Nastya were greeted by family at Melbourne airport on Saturday.
"[There were] always sirens, always warnings about bombings and constantly having to hide in bomb shelters," she said.
Nastya said she feels safe now that she's in Australia.
"It's scary to stay in Ukraine. It's unsafe. Here, I feel safe and comfortable," she said.
But both the mother and daughter conceded it wasn't an easy decision to leave Ukraine.
Iryna's other daughter, a police officer, had to stay behind.
"I would like that everything will finish as quickly as possible and we will be able to return back home," she said.
The United Nations refugee agency says the number of people fleeing Ukraine is now more than 2.5 million. The vast majority have sought refuge in neighbouring Poland.
For those who travelled to Australia, many had to overcome logistical issues to successfully arrive in the country.
At Sydney Airport, Olha Lyeskakova was been reunited with her mother, sister and baby niece.
"I'm so excited, it was a very long trip for them. We had so many issues and problems and it's actually the second time they tried to fly here from Poland," she said.
"There are so many issues Ukrainians are facing back in Poland with documents. So, we are super exited and I'm so happy for my family to finally come here."
The Australian government has also granted an automatic six-month extension for all Ukrainian nationals in Australia with a visa that is due to expire by 30 June this year.
"The government continues to progress applications from Ukrainians across all visa categories as a priority," Minister Hawke said on Friday.
"Australia condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia’s unprovoked, unjust and illegal war.
"The invasion is a gross violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations. Australia strongly supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"We call on Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukrainian territory and we deeply regret the already high number of casualties, in particular the Ukrainian civilians killed so far in the conflict."
With Tom Canetti, Monique Pueblos and Gloria Kalache
