'No One Will Fight Instead of Us': Woman Ponders Defending Ukraine in Battle

Mariia Shuvalova, a lecturer at a Ukrainian university, left Ukraine's capital of Kyiv on Thursday, the day Russian forces launched an attack on the country.

But she said she is mulling a return to the capital city to defend her country. Her comments come as Russian forces have reportedly penetrated Kyiv and residents of the city are bracing for attacks.

"We understand that we have to do something, no one will fight instead of us," she said in an interview with NewsNation Prime that was published Friday.

Shuvalova, a literary scholar at the National University of Kyiv Mohyla-Academy, also told NewsNation that some of her students and their parents are joining the fight against Russia amid the invasion.

"Young people are ready because we have eight years of experience having severe war. It was Russia," Shuvalova said.

In a tweet Friday morning, Shuvalova said: " I am staying in Ukraine. I am safe. Working 24/7. Keep giving comments."

"Now I am helping foreign journalist to get to Ukraine and be safer and more prolific here. If any journalist need my help I am here," she added.

In her television interview, Shuvalova said: "My family will join senatorial defense or we will go tomorrow in Kyiv." She said she hopes their efforts can set an example for allies "also to take responsibility for what is going on right now in Europe."

In the wake of the Russian attack, Ukraine temporarily banned men aged 18-60 from leaving the country, citing marshal law.

In addition, the Ukraine has opened up its armories to its citizens.

"We will give weapons to anyone who wants to defend the country," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday.

"Be ready to support Ukraine in the squares of our cities," he added.

Citing Ukrainian officials, the Associated Press reported Friday morning that 137 Ukrainians have died in the conflict so far. Ukrainian officials have also said that hundreds have Russians died, but Russians haven't released casualty numbers.

The UN Refugee Agency estimated Thursday that 100,000 Ukrainians have fled their homes in the wake of the conflict and warned that the number could reach to 5 million if the war continues.

On Thursday, Biden announced fresh sanctions following Russia's invasion.

"This is a dangerous moment for all of Europe, for the freedom around the world. Putin has... committed an assault on the very principles that uphold global peace," the president stated.

Newsweek has reached out to Shuvalova for comment but did not immediately receive a response before publication on Friday morning.