Rebuilding work is underway in the Ukrainian city of Irpin, and people there are trying to preserve a mural that anonymous street artist Banksy painted on a building shelled by Russia's forces.

Irpin is a suburb of the capital, Kyiv. It was heavily shelled and bombed during the early days of the Russian invasion. Thirty-nine residential buildings were destroyed in the attacks.

Banksy's mural depicts a girl wearing a neck brace while gracefully manipulating a ribbon similar to that used by a rhythmic gymnast.

The structures are being demolished, so that new public housing units can be built. But city officials have decided to preserve the artwork.

Workers have covered the mural with a transparent sheet. They were seen carefully removing debris around the wall on Friday.

A woman, who used to live in one of the damaged buildings, said Banksy's painting shows that the world is on Ukraine's side.

Oleksandr Markushyn is the mayor of Irpin. He said his priorities are to defeat the enemy and protect citizens. But he added that preparations must be made, so that residents can return to the places where they used to live.

Markushyn said he wants to preserve the painting, as it is a symbol of the city.