Russian missiles target Kyiv on first day of school year

On the first day of the new academic year, Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, was struck by a significant missile attack from Russia. The assault occurred just hours before thousands of children were set to return to school, marking a traditionally festive occasion in the country.

Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, reported that the attack targeted a water treatment plant and a metro station entrance that serves as a makeshift shelter. Additionally, two schools and a university sustained damage. The Ukrainian military announced that its air defense systems managed to intercept and destroy 22 cruise and ballistic missiles during the assault. Despite this, local authorities confirmed that debris from the intercepted missiles injured three people.

The missile strike on Monday disrupted what was meant to be a celebratory day for students across Kyiv. Schools had prepared for the new academic year with decorations and festivities. Teachers and parents worked hard to maintain a semblance of normalcy amid the chaos. One parent, who sheltered with her daughter during the attack before bringing her to school, remarked on the resilience of the nation, saying, “Children are smiling, but you can see the strain on the faces of their teachers, who carry this burden.”

Yevheniia, a 33-year-old mother taking her six-year-old daughter to school for the first time, recounted the fear they experienced. “Her hands were shaking,” Yevheniia told Reuters. Despite the smoke infiltrating their apartment, she emphasized the importance of continuing with their daily routines. “We are Ukrainians,” she reassured her daughter that morning.

Alina, a student at the damaged university, described her experience of the attack. She recounted how the air raid sirens blared for nearly two hours, prompting students to rush into their dormitory’s bomb shelter. “We were very scared,” Alina said, recalling the subsequent fire and explosions.

In response to the attacks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the significance of the school year’s start, calling it “one of the most important days of the year” for students, families, and educators. He praised the resilience demonstrated by Ukrainian educational institutions and the strength of the Ukrainian people. “All our schools, all higher education institutions that are working today are proof of the resilience of our people and the strength of Ukraine,” Zelensky stated via his Telegram channel.

The entire country was placed on high alert for several hours following the missile strike. Neighboring NATO member Poland responded by deploying its own and allied aircraft to safeguard its airspace during the Russian strikes.

In the broader context of the ongoing conflict, analysts have noted a recent intensification of Russian military activities. Last month, Russian forces advanced across 477 square kilometers (184 square miles) of Ukrainian territory—the largest monthly gain by Moscow since October 2022, according to the Institute for the Study of War, as reported by AFP. Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that such a pace of advancement in the Donbas region had not been seen for some time, with his forces capturing several square kilometers of territory daily.

Conversely, progress has slowed in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukraine launched a surprise incursion on August 6. Kyiv has reported controlling 1,294 square kilometers (500 square miles) of territory, including 100 settlements, and capturing nearly 600 Russian soldiers. Despite this, Putin insisted that the Russian advance in eastern Ukraine would not be deterred, asserting that the objective to halt their offensive actions had failed.

Some Ukrainian critics argue that the incursion into Kursk may have diverted seasoned troops from the crucial Donbas front. However, President Zelensky defended the operation, asserting that it was progressing “according to plan” and could potentially relieve pressure on the eastern front.

The developments in Kyiv and the broader conflict underscore the ongoing volatility and the profound impact on civilian life as Ukraine continues to navigate the complexities of the war.