It's unusual to see a crowd anywhere in Lviv at the moment. With air raid sirens going off every few hours, most people remain at home.
But outside a military facility on the edge of the city, there are dozens of people standing in line. They're waiting their turn to provide paperwork and register as a volunteer for the civil defence force.
Teachers, lawyers, students: normal people willing to do whatever it takes to defend Ukraine.
Builder Alexander said he was ready to fight for Ukraine. Source: SBS News
Alexander is a builder. The 51-year-old thinks he'd be useful to the armed forces as a driver.
"I can’t sit at home watching this happen. I'm ready to defend my land, my family. If I die, I will take 10 of them with me," he says.
Twin brothers Andrew and Olexa are chatting with friends as they wait to sign up.
"I haven't done military training, I'm not a soldier, but I'm told there are instructors who’ll provide training," says Andrew.
"I could perhaps provide medical help, I know how to do that."
Dozens of people standing in line at the conscript office. Source: SBS News
The software engineer has no experience with firearms but tells me he's quite handy with a Molotov cocktail, having participated in the Maidan revolution of 2014.
"Still, it's better to have a gun," he jokes.
Vasyl is studying economics at University.
Like many Ukrainians, he didn't believe Russia would actually invade his country. He thought it was all bluster. Now, he's angry.
"Ukraine is calling. We have to go and defend our homeland any way we can," he says.
Vasyl is a student in Ukraine. Source: SBS News
"There is a little bit of fear, of course. The situation might be unpleasant but sitting in the basement is not an option any more."
It's striking how assured these volunteers are.
Volodymyr is just 19, but says he's not worried about being put in harm's way.
Volodymyr said the country needed defending. Source: SBS News
"Ukraine requires us," he says.
My translator replies, "you're so young, you might be useful for Ukraine in the future too."
Volodymyr smiles.
"Yes, but she requires me to defend her right now."
