Civilians in and around Kyiv say the sound of bombing has been growing more intense, and that they are fearful for their lives. NHK World spoke with one such couple.

Inna Polishchuk said they are worried for their parents, their independence, and the independence of their country. "We are afraid to die from Russian bombs," she said.

Inna and her husband Oleg live about ten kilometers from the capital, Kyiv. They say they chose to stay in the country because their parents who live in Kyiv are old and are unable to travel. Oleg, who is 58 years old, says he is thinking about joining the Ukrainian military.

Inna said, "It's a real war. We believe in the Ukrainian army. Ukrainian people are completely against this war. Ordinary people will help our army to defend our land."

The couple say they hope international cooperation will help stop the Russian invasion. Inna stressed that people around the world must hear about the war and speak out against it.