By Russia launched a large-scale aerial assault on Kyiv early Monday, coinciding with the start of the new school year across Ukraine. The attack, involving drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, damaged educational facilities and left some pupils unable to attend classes on their first day back.
Ukrainian officials reported that Russia fired 35 missiles of various types and 26 Shahed drones at the country overnight. The Ukrainian air force claimed to have intercepted nine ballistic missiles, 13 cruise missiles, and 20 drones. Despite these efforts, debris from intercepted projectiles fell across every district of Kyiv, injuring three people and damaging two kindergartens, according to Ukraine’s Interior Ministry.
The assault triggered several series of explosions in the Ukrainian capital, prompting residents to seek shelter. Oksana Argunova, an 18-year-old high school student in Kyiv, described the terrifying experience: “I woke up, my neighbor was shouting: ‘Let’s go down (to the shelter), there are big explosions.’ We all ran.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the significance of the day on his Telegram channel, stating, “Today is one of the most important days of the year for millions of our Ukrainian children, families and teachers.” He emphasized Ukraine’s efforts to provide opportunities for children despite the ongoing conflict.
The attack on Kyiv was part of a broader offensive that also targeted other Ukrainian cities. In Sumy, a northeastern city, 18 people were injured in a strike on a children’s rehabilitation center and orphanage. In Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, early morning strikes set residential buildings on fire.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin downplayed Ukraine’s recent offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, claiming it would not impede Russian advances in eastern Ukraine. Putin told school students during a trip to southern Siberia, “The main task that the enemy set for themselves — to stop our offensive in Donbas — they haven’t achieved it.”
The conflict shows no signs of abating, with both sides pursuing ambitious ground offensives. Ukraine continues its push into Russia’s Kursk region, while Russian forces advance deeper into the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. The UK Defense Ministry reported that Russian forces have likely moved within 10 kilometers of the key Donetsk stronghold of Povkrosk.
As the war approaches its 1,000th day, the intensity of long-range strikes from both sides suggests a continued commitment to weapon production and military operations. The conflict’s impact on civilian life, particularly evident on this first day of school, underscores the ongoing humanitarian toll of the war in Ukraine.
Source: AP
