Russia has launched a significant missile strike on Kyiv just hours before thousands of children headed back to school for the new academic year. The mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, reported damage to a water treatment facility and a metro station entrance used as a shelter. Additionally, two schools and a university sustained damage during the attack.
Ukraine’s military reported that the air force successfully intercepted 22 cruise and ballistic missiles. Local officials confirmed that three people suffered injuries due to falling debris from the intercepted missiles.
The missile barrage coincided with the first day of school, a traditionally festive occasion in Ukraine. In an effort to maintain a sense of normalcy, teachers and parents greeted students with music and flowers. One parent, who sheltered with her daughter during the chaos, expressed pride in the resilience of their nation, stating that Ukrainians continue to stand strong despite the challenges.
Yevheniia, a mother taking her six-year-old daughter to her first day of school, recalled the fear they experienced during the attack. She noted the smell of smoke in their apartment but emphasized their determination to proceed with school as true Ukrainians.
Alina, a student at the damaged university, described the panic that ensued when air raid alerts sounded, forcing students to seek refuge in their dormitory’s bomb shelter. The air raid sirens persisted for nearly two hours until military officials declared the skies safe.
In response to the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remarked that the first day of school is among the most vital days of the year for children and their families. He emphasized that the functioning of schools and higher education institutions amidst conflict demonstrates the resilience and strength of the Ukrainian people.
Meanwhile, all of Ukraine remained on high alert, with neighboring countries enhancing their air defenses during the strikes.
### Russian Offensive Intensifies in Donbas
Recent reports indicate that Russian forces have made significant territorial gains in the Donbas region, covering 477 square kilometers in August—an increase not seen since October 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that such rapid advancements had not been achieved in a long time, stating that his forces are capturing several square kilometers daily.
Conversely, an incursion by Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region has resulted in a slowdown of Russian advances, with Ukraine reportedly holding control over 1,294 square kilometers, including 100 settlements. The conflict has also led to nearly 600 Russian soldiers being captured.
Despite these developments, President Putin, addressing children on their first day of school, asserted that the setbacks would not hinder his military’s operations in eastern Ukraine, claiming they were progressing at an unprecedented pace. He expressed that Ukraine’s counteroffensive failed to disrupt Russia’s initiatives in key areas of the Donbas, suggesting that Ukraine’s efforts to divert Russian troops may have backfired.
Ukrainian President Zelensky defended the military strategy during a recent address, stating that operations are proceeding according to plan and could alleviate pressure on the eastern front.
