This heritage-rich city of Ukraine is shielding its treasures as Russian forces batters others

As the war between Moscow and Kyiv continues to advance, residents of Ukraine's cultural capital of Lviv were seen covering and wrapping up all ancient statues and monuments to protect them from Russian assault.

Photos captured around the city's central Market Square showed statues covered in protective plastic sheets.

According to an NGO in the city, named the Lviv Foundation for the Preservation of Architectural and Historical Monuments, many concerned locals and art conservators took it upon themselves to save the rich heritage of the city.

"Some sculptures are more than 100 years old. They have historical importance. Hence, people are protecting them from the damage," a Ukrainian citizen, Vlad, was quoted as saying by agencies.

"It's better to protect them before something happens to them," he added.

A Facebook post shared last week showed a worker on a cherry picker shielding the window panes of the city's 17th Century Dormition Church with protective sheets.

Four statues around Rynok Square in Lviv were also covered, including the ‘Statue of Neptune’ considered as the protector of seas.

Many civilians in Ukraine have taken temporary refuge in Lviv which has, so far, escaped aerial bombardment, shelling and street fighting.

However, the city is suffering from a shortage of gas supply. Vlad said, "They (Russians) are targeting civilian residential complexes and it's pretty dangerous around Kyiv. Yes, there is a shortage of gas supply, but we are getting food supplies."

According to the United Nations, more than 1.5 million refugees have fled Ukraine in the past 10 days, since Russia began its military operations in the country on February 24. As many as 364 civilian deaths have been confirmed by the global watchdog since the Kremlin’s invasion.