(13 Mar 2022) Ukrainian soldiers say they are bracing for a larger attack by Russian forces stationed to the north of the capital, Kyiv. The two sides have been engaged in bitter battles in the areas of Irpin and Bucha, both suburbs leading into Kyiv. A Ukrainian soldier in Irpin told The Associated Press that Russian forces try to intimidate them by shelling them from time to time. But he insisted that morale was high. Irpin is now largely empty, as most of the people left in recent days following intense fighting. Still, some residents remain, hiding in basements because they can't afford any other accommodation. Others stayed put because their family members are too old or sick and they refused to leave them behind.   At least 2.5 million people have fled Ukraine since the invasion began, according to the United Nations refugee agency. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_Archive Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APArchives ​​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/APNews/ You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/4a2d016598ae4a45866f36157fa49427