Thousands living in Ukraine are hunkered down in subway stations, bunkers or basements trying to keep safe from Russian airstrikes and bombs destroying their cities. 

Ohleh Kovlskyy, 46, of Horodok, Ukraine, was in his basement with his family during a video call with News 12’s Virginia Huie. He said what the Russians are doing is horrible and vows to not allow Russia to achieve their goal. 

"They want to make some distorted reality in Ukraine," said Kovlskyy. “...We will fight to our last blood drop.” 

Kovlskyy said he chose to remain in Ukraine to help protect water reserves and other infrastructures. Despite the bomb sirens going off at least 10 times a day, Kovlskyy said Ukraine is their motherland and it must be protected.  

“We will always protect the land where we were born, the land where we work, the land where we [were] happy,” said Kovlskyy. 

Kovlskyy’s 11-year-old daughter, Victoria, said she feels “a little bit scared.” 

“My mother and father give me many hugs and I feel safe with my family, with my country,” said Victoria. 

Little Neck resident Iryna Boutcha, Kovlskyy’s sister, tells News 12 that watching everything happen in Ukraine is heartbreaking. Just like many Ukrainians who live in the United States and around the world, she feels helpless. 

“People doesn’t have food, doesn’t have water, doesn’t have energy,” said Boutcha. 

Boutcha said collecting supplies and seeing the support so many are giving to her people is helping them feel a little better. 

“We are feeling a little bit stronger because every single person can give support,” said Boutcha. 

As her people continue to battle Russian forces, Boutcha said she feels tremendous pride for their courageous stand. 

“They send the message that we are Ukrainians,” said Boutcha. “We stand on our land, and we will not let occupants take [it] piece by piece.” 

LIVE UPDATES: The latest developments on the Russia-Ukraine crisis