The idea originated in Hungary with several Facebook media posts by Olivér Koppány of the Hungarian-owned international law firm KNP LAW.

A website has been functioning since Sunday where lawyers can apply from anywhere in the world to offer free legal advice to Ukrainian refugees, and those forced to leave their homes can search for a lawyer in a database.

The site offers services in English, Ukrainian, Polish and Russian, and will be accessible in other languages, including Hungarian.

Koppány said many people would like to travel on to the US, Italy, Sweden or Portugal and seek legal assistance in processing their visa applications.

He said they can also help entrepreneurs to set up businesses.

Website: ukrainelegalaid.org