As thousands of Ukrainian children returned to school on September 1, marking the start of the new academic year, Kyiv was hit by a barrage of Russian missiles, turning a typically joyous day into one of fear and devastation. The simultaneous arrival of the new school year and the missile attacks underscored the harsh realities of the ongoing conflict and the resilience of the Ukrainian people.
A day of destruction
On Monday morning, as children and their families were preparing for the first day of school, the Russian military launched a major attack on Kyiv. The city’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, reported that several key targets were hit, including a water treatment plant and the entrance to a metro station that had been converted into a shelter. Two schools and a university were also damaged by the impact of the missiles, worsening an already tense situation.
Three people were injured by missile debris, according to local officials. Ukraine’s military confirmed that its air defense forces successfully intercepted 22 incoming cruise and ballistic missiles, preventing further loss of life and property. However, the psychological impact of the attack on the residents of Kiev, especially students and their families, was profound.
Maintaining normality amid chaos
Despite the chaos and fear, teachers and parents in Kiev worked tirelessly to maintain normality for children. The first day of school, traditionally a day of celebration with music and festive decorations, schools tried to continue studying with pomp and ceremony as usual. Smiling students were greeted with flowers and an attempt was made to create a reassuring atmosphere despite the surrounding turmoil.
One parent, who took refuge with her daughter during the missile attack before taking her to school, reflected on the resilience of the Ukrainian people. “We are showing once again that this nation is invincible,” she told the BBC. Her words reflected the spirit of defiance and perseverance shown by many Ukrainians in the face of adversity.
Fear and courage
For many families, the day was marked by a palpable sense of fear. Yevheniya, a 33-year-old mother, described how she felt as she took her six-year-old daughter to school for the first time. “Her hands were shaking,” Yevheniya said, explaining that her apartment was filled with smoke due to the attack. Despite the dangers, they stressed the need to continue with their lives. “We are Ukrainians,” they said, underlining their determination to move forward despite the threats.
Students at the damaged university also experienced intense fear. One student, Alina, reported that when the air raid warning sounded, everyone ran to the dormitory’s bomb shelter. “We were very scared,” she admitted, recalling the scene of the fire that followed the explosions. The emotional tension was evident as she and others tried to comprehend the horrific events.
A wider context
The missile attacks on Kiev are a reminder of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has been going on for more than a year. As the conflict drags on, each new attack is a grim reminder of the impact of war on civilians and the disruption it causes to everyday life.
The broader context of the conflict includes significant developments on the battlefield. In Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukraine first launched a surprise offensive on August 6, progress has slowed. Kiev has recently claimed control of 1,294 square kilometers of territory and 100 settlements. About 600 Russian soldiers have been captured, highlighting the intense and persistent nature of the conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed children on their first day of school, rejecting talk that Ukrainian advances would stop his army. He claimed Russian forces were making significant progress in eastern Ukraine, despite setbacks in other regions. His comments reflect the persistent and aggressive stance of the Russian military, which continues to advance despite international condemnation and the significant human losses of the conflict.
International response
The international community has watched the situation in Ukraine with growing concern. The recent missile attacks on Kiev have been condemned and expressed concern by various global leaders and organizations. These attacks not only underscore the ongoing violence but also highlight the impact on innocent civilians, especially children who are enjoying the start of their school year.
In response to the missile attacks, neighboring NATO member Poland increased its security measures. Poland deployed its own and allied aircraft to protect its airspace during the Russian attacks, reflecting broader regional concerns about the possibility of escalation.