The former Navy Hospital in Pula will be used to accommodate Ukrainian refugees and it is estimated that about100 people will initially be provided with accommodation there, after which the capacity will be increased to 200 people, a local Civil Protection official said on Tuesday.

The head of the Istria County Civil Protection, Dino Kozlevac, said that another location in Istria, in the area of Rovinj, was being considered for the accommodation of Ukrainian refugees.

Local Red Cross offices have called on everyone who has arrived from the war-affected areas to contact them so they can register them and be provided with the necessary assistance and psychosocial support.

According to available information, there are currently about 50 Ukrainian refugees in Istria, who are mostly staying with friends and relatives.

Croatia’s Red Cross organisation said on Monday that currently material donations for Ukraine and neighbouring countries were not being collected as national Red Cross associations in those countries were meeting the refugees’ needs. Red Cross Croatia has been in touch with them and for the time being, they have not requested additional material donations. If they do, Red Cross Croatia will inform the public accordingly.