KYIV, Ukraine 

Residents of the Ukrainian town of Ivankiv, which suffered heavy damage in Russian airstrikes, await help so they can restart their lives. 

The town, about 90 kilometers (56 miles) from the capital Kyiv, came under attack by Russian forces in their very first assault on Ukraine on Feb. 24.

The Russian bombing heavily damaged the bridge at the entrance and rendered many houses unusable.

Dwellers of the town, which was used by Russian forces as a ground base for reinforcements in their push towards Kyiv, told Anadolu Agency of the days of the Russian occupation as well as the current conditions they have to endure.

Ivan, a dweller who did not specify his last name due to security concerns, said that a Russian rocket hit his house.

He said 18 people hid in the basement of his house during the Russian push to the town.

Thanking God for saving their lives, he said one of his neighbors whose home caught fire during the Russian bombing died from a heart attack.

“Not only did we lose our homes and vehicles but our psychological situation also significantly worsened because of the Russian attack,” he said, adding they need aid to restart their lives.

Ivan claimed that Russians opened fire on civilians who were trying to flee from the town and executed the town’s priest.

“They claim that they came Ukraine to liberate us, but they brought only killings and destruction,” he said.

He added that Russian forces sought individuals who might cooperate with them but they were rejected.

Another dweller, Valentia, maintained that the only thing they were able save was their lives.

“Our houses are unfit to live in now,” she said, adding urgent aid is needed in order for things to return to normal in the town.

Noting that she has some relatives in Russia, Valentia claimed that Russian media spreads lies which prevent ordinary Russians from seeing what is really going on in the war.

“I even don’t know whether I will be able to see my grandkids, who are the future of this country, fighting for the Ukrainian army again,” she said.

“Our country’s future is being destroyed.”

At least 3,668 people have been killed and 3,896 injured in Ukraine since Russia began its war on Feb. 24, according to UN estimates. The true toll is believed to be much higher.

Over 6.2 million people have fled to other countries, with some 7.7 million people internally displaced, according to the UN refugee agency.