Russia Launches Missile Strikes on Kyiv as Ukrainian Children Return to School
Summary On the first day of the school year in Ukraine, Russia launched missile strikes on the capital city of Kyiv, targeting critical infrastructure and educational institutions. Despite the attacks, Ukrainian children returned to school with resilience, supported by teachers and parents determined to maintain a sense of normalcy. The article details the impact of the strikes, the response from Ukrainian leadership, and the ongoing Russian offensive in the Donbass region. Description (Meta Tag) Russia launches missile strikes on Kyiv as Ukrainian children return to school for the first day of the academic year. The attacks target water treatment facilities, metro stations, schools, and universities, but fail to deter the resilience of the Ukrainian people. President Zelensky emphasizes the importance of education amidst the conflict, while the Russian offensive intensifies in the Donbass. The article explores the impact on civilians and the commitment to upholding normalcy in the face of adversity.
HASSAN BENYOUB 
On the first day of the school year in Ukraine, Russia launched a barrage of missiles on the capital city, Kyiv, just hours before thousands of children were set to return to school. The attack, which coincided with a day of celebration for students and families, has raised concerns and highlighted the ongoing dangers faced by civilians amid the ongoing conflict.
Details of the Attack
Kyiv's Mayor, Vitali Klitschko, reported that the missile strikes targeted a water treatment facility and the entrance of a metro station that serves as a shelter. Additionally, two schools and a university sustained damage from the attacks. According to the Ukrainian military, 22 cruise and ballistic missiles were intercepted and destroyed by air defense forces. Local authorities confirmed that three individuals were injured due to debris from the intercepted missiles.The timing of the attack was particularly poignant, as it marked the beginning of the school year, a festive occasion in Ukraine. Teachers and parents worked hard to maintain a sense of normalcy, welcoming smiling students with music and flowers despite the chaos surrounding them.
Resilience Amidst Fear
One parent, who sheltered with her daughter during the missile attack before taking her to school, expressed pride in the resilience of the Ukrainian people. "They are once again showing that this nation is invincible," she remarked. "The children are smiling, but you can see the tension on the faces of their teachers who carry this burden."Yevheniia, a 33-year-old mother, described the fear she felt as she took her six-year-old daughter to school for the first time. "Her hands were shaking," Yevheniia told Reuters. "Our apartment started smelling of smoke, but we still have to go to school, right? We are Ukrainian," she reassured her daughter.Alina, a student at one of the damaged universities, recounted her experience during the air raid. She said she "started screaming" when the air raid sirens sounded, and everyone rushed to the bomb shelter in her dormitory. The air raid sirens blared for nearly two hours during the attack before the military declared the skies clear. "We were very scared," Alina said, adding that they witnessed a fire following the sound of explosions.
Presidential Response
Following the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the significance of the first day of school, calling it "one of the most important days of the year" for children, their families, and educators. "All our schools and higher education institutions that are operational today are proof of the resilience of our people and the strength of Ukraine," he stated on his Telegram channel.In response to the escalating situation, all of Ukraine was placed on high alert for several hours. Poland, a neighboring NATO country, announced that it had deployed its own aircraft along with those of its allies to secure its airspace during the Russian strikes.
Intensifying Russian Offensive
Analysts have noted that the Russian offensive is intensifying in the Donbass region. Last month, Russian forces advanced over 477 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory, marking the largest monthly gain for Moscow since October 2022, according to data analyzed by the Institute for the Study of War.President Vladimir Putin claimed that his forces had not advanced at such a pace in the Donbass for a long time and that they were capturing several square kilometers of territory each day. Meanwhile, in the Russian region of Kursk, where Ukraine launched a surprise incursion on August 6, progress has slowed, with Kyiv recently asserting control over 1,294 square kilometers of territory, including 100 settlements.Despite the setbacks, President Putin, addressing children starting their new school year, asserted that this would not hinder the advancement of his forces in eastern Ukraine, claiming they were moving at their fastest pace in a long time. "Their calculation was to stop our offensive actions in key areas of the Donbass. The result is known... they have not succeeded in halting our advance," he stated.
Ukrainian Counteroffensive
President Zelensky defended the ongoing offensive on Monday, stating that it was proceeding "according to plan." He added that the attack could relieve pressure on the eastern front. Critics in Ukraine have suggested that the incursion in Kursk diverted experienced troops from the critical Donbass front lines.The situation remains tense as both Ukraine and Russia continue to engage in long-range drone and missile strikes, with each side launching significant numbers of weapons in aerial assaults. The conflict shows no signs of abating, and the impact on civilians, especially children, remains a pressing concern as they navigate their education amid ongoing hostilities.As the new school year begins, the resilience of Ukrainian families and their commitment to education in the face of adversity is a testament to their determination to uphold normalcy amidst chaos.
