Russia's war against Ukraine continues. On the morning of February 24th, Russia launched a large-scale invasion in Ukraine along the entire length of the common border as well as from the territory of Belarus. Ukraine is fiercely resisting. The aggressor's troops and equipment came close to the capital, but Kyiv is defending itself.

Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko has repeatedly stated that the situation in the Ukrainian capital is threatening due to the actions of the Russian military.

"The enemy wants to take the heart of our country. But we will fight and we will not give up Kyiv! The armed forces, territorial defence, and concerned residents are ready and will defend the capital", - Klitschko said in his telegram channel.

During the shelling of cities, Russian troops use cluster munitions prohibited by international conventions, which cause great damage to the civilian population. Peaceful people and children are dying at the hands of terrorists.

Thousands of people are in bomb shelters 24/7. Children are born there.

The Center for Defence Strategies notes that as of March 3rd, 2022, "the enemy is trying to create a ring around the capital with powerful group of troops (around 30 battalion tactic groups). The greatest danger now remains from the north and northwest of Kyiv (Ivankiv, Vorzel, Bucha, Irpin, Gostomel).

Intense fighting continues on the entries to Kyiv at a distance of 20-40 km, in which the enemy loses equipment and personnel".

Kateryna Halushka, Communication Manager of the All-Ukrainian Initiative “Active Community”, Chief Specialist of Strategic Communications of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, spoke about the current situation in Kyiv.

"The situation with the Russian invasion in Kyiv is difficult. Kyiv is the main target that, according to all intelligence, Russia seeks to capture. That is why a large amount of equipment and personnel of the Russian army was concentrated in the Kyiv direction. But our Armed Forces, Territorial Defence and citizens skillfully fend off attackers and break up convoys of occupiers”, says Kateryna.

Answering the question whether the sirens blared, whether there was shelling, or the infrastructure was destroyed, Kateryna said that air strike sirens were often heard.

"As far as the destruction of infrastructure is concerned, it is mainly military airfields, airports are being shelled and destroyed, including residential buildings where civilians live."

As for the victims of Russian aggression in the capital, Kateryna says she does not know the exact number of casualties.

"Because our calculations are not published, so that the enemy could not use it against us. All I know is that, unfortunately, the vast majority of civilian casualties today are unfortunately in Kyiv and the region”.

She tells that the local population is ready to destroy the equipment.

“As soon as they try to invade the streets of Kyiv, people are ready to destroy the enemy as soon as they try to come to our city with weapons to conquer it. The population is by no means ready to give up its capital and is doing everything possible to protect Kyiv”.

She says that military and volunteers need help.

“Fortunately, our friends who are staying in Kyiv are helping us. Our volunteer friends who receive lists from us of everything we need. They buy the necessities, bring them to us and cover all the needs in the shortest possible time. We are very grateful for that. There are still some things that are very needed, but it is impossible to buy them yet, because they simply do not exist in Ukraine, so we should wait for help from the West".

“What would I like to say to a Russian soldier if I met him? Maybe someday, I would be more humane and offer him to surrender. Now, when many people were killed by the Russian army and after I lost my brothers and sisters today and yesterday, I do not want to say anything. I just want to shoot them in the head right away, without further ado".

Photo: consequences of Russia's war against Ukraine in Kyiv

Kyiv is defending itself with dignity, citizens and volunteers are uniting and helping each other and our defenders 24/7.

Kyiv will definitely survive! Like all of Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine!

Note. The mission of the Active Community: to achieve prosperity through the democratic development of Ukrainian communities. The goal for 2025: to activate and involve at least 1% of citizens in decision-making and promotion of reforms in Ukraine on a systemic basis for the well-being of Ukrainian communities. The initiative was created within the framework of the activity.

Author: Tetiana Kavunenko, journalist, head of the press office of the Institute "Respublica" and All-Ukrainian Initiative "Active Community"