Residents of Ukraine's Irpin begin rebuilding lives

By Dmitri Chirciu

KYIV, Ukraine (AA) - The residents of Ukraine's city of Irpin have started rebuilding their lives after the withdrawal of Russian forces.

The city just outside the capital Kyiv has been looted and ravaged by the retreating Russian forces.

Residents can be seen renovating their damaged homes.

The water pipeline in the city has been put back in service, while the streets are being cleaned.

A resident, Zahariy said: "Some parts of my house are damaged. I need to fix my car."

He said many items were stolen from his house.

But in his darkest hour, he refuses to let go of hope.

"I think we will get through everything. Everything will go back to the way it was. Aid will also be given to help Ukraine rise," Zahariy said.

Another resident, Viktor said that the goal of those fighting against his country is to "destroy everything."

"We will have to rebuild everything. But I am sure we can do it. Ukraine will develop," Viktor said.

At least 2,829 civilians have been killed and 3,182 others injured in Ukraine since the war started on Feb. 24, according to UN estimates. The actual toll is feared to be much higher.

So far, 7.7 million people in Ukraine have been internally displaced, with more than 5.3 million fleeing to other countries, according to the UN refugee agency.

* Writing by Zehra Nur Duz.