American Shares Story of How He Walked 20 Hours to Escape Ukraine
An American journalist shares his story of how he spent 20 hours walking from Ukraine to escape.
Manny Marotta went to Ukraine to report on Russia’s invasion, and instead found himself trying to get out on foot. His Twitter thread details a brutal 20-hour walk to Poland after transportation became impossible and the situation on the ground grew more dangerous by the hour.
Marotta, a self-funded journalist, spent two weeks in Ukraine before deciding he had to leave. Along the way, he shared photos and updates showing long lines of abandoned cars, frightened families, and the chaos that pushed him to keep moving toward the border.
By the time he reached Poland, the story had already struck a nerve online. Here’s how his escape unfolded.
He starts his Twitter thread like this.
UkraineLive2022He shared many photos of cars lined up because they were out of gas or because the owners fled on foot.
UkraineLive2022He explains how people were pulled from their cars and forced to fight in the war.
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He shares harrowing photos that show exactly what's happening, which most of us can't see.
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That was the moment he realized walking was the only option.
He soon realizes that there are no means of transportation, so if he wants to leave, he has to walk.
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He talks about the encounters he had with the people there.
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The need for soldiers is real, and the military isn't giving up. Everyone has to fight.
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He found two older ladies who were making the trip to Poland.
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The fear in these children is probably the scariest part. How do you even explain this to them?
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He said it was the "longest and worst night," but he made it to Poland.
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He finally crossed into Poland after the long night on the road.
He shares a picture of what he was greeted with when he finally arrived in Poland.
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People online quickly reacted to the thread.
Then people began commenting on his courageous journey.
DesignNanette
People were truly taken aback by his story and everything that is really happening there.
kary_cee
Is it worth it?
KatBarclay2
It is absolutely insane that this is happening in 2022.
murray_nyc
Everyone is heartbroken by this.
CarlLadurner
Ireland knows what's going on.
ADHDemon
This is a great perspective, and it makes you think.
XerxesEmperor
People started offering their homes to those in need.
Robertkas88
The emotions of people are running high.
lexsion
It's unbelievable that this is happening.
AdamHappydays
There is no need for war.
AfakeyW
People are sending kind words.
OonaghB24
People are still comparing this situation to the 1900s, but here we are in 2022.
BarbieQuinn5
He's always welcome in Poland.
gentileschiele
People appreciate him documenting the journey and sharing it.
hobsondp
He made it out, but the images from the journey are hard to forget.
It's a grim reminder that the news only shows part of what people are living through.
Want more firsthand evacuation chaos? Read how a stranded American travel blogger in Kuwait claims the US left her hanging.
