11-year-old boy who fled Ukraine with only a phone number gets reunited with family in Slovakia

Hassan Pisecká, the 11-year-old boy, who earlier this month fled Ukraine travelling 750 miles alone, is now back with his family in Slovakia. The photo of Pissecka, who had just a phone number scribbled on his hand, had gone viral.

He was carrying only passport, a plastic bag and the phone number.  

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Júlia Pisecká, the boy's mother, had stayed behind when Russia began the invasion to look after her mother, who was unable to flee.  

When he reached the border, the officials were struck by his "smile, fearlessness and determination".

Using the number and a note tied to his waist, his family was contacted in Slovakia. Finally, he was reunited with his four siblings.  

He "isn't thinking about the future" and is happy to be "safe", Hassan's sister said while translating his words to 'Good Morning Britain'.   

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"He says the most important is to be in the place where he has family. He likes this city because it's safe. He doesn't know about the future because he doesn't know about the situation in Ukraine. He is not thinking about the future, he just wants to be with us," Hassan's sister added.   

Hassan's mother, grandmother and their dog have also been able to flee and join Hassan and his siblings.   

Júlia, who is a widow, told The Sun, "The train ride was very difficult. Hundreds were crammed in a single car. But we had to escape so our family could be back together. I’d like to thank everyone from my heart. We have to start from scratch. We lost everything we’ve had but we’re healthy."   

(With inputs from agencies)