Ukraine opens subterranean schools to shield kids from attacks

Anabelle Colaco
06 Sep 2025, 04:08 GMT+10

For thousands of children in Kharkiv, the first day of school meant not just new books and teachers, but a descent underground
With Russian strikes still threatening Ukraine’s second-largest city, around 17,000 children began the academic year in specially built subterranean schools
Seven such facilities are already in use, with more planned in the coming months

KHARKIV, Ukraine: For thousands of children in Kharkiv, the first day of school meant not just new books and teachers, but a descent underground.

With Russian strikes still threatening Ukraine's second-largest city, around 17,000 children began the academic year in specially built subterranean schools. Seven such facilities are already in use, with more planned in the coming months.

"Today, my child, a first grader, came to school for the first time, an underground school, the nearest school to Northern Saltivka," said Anastasia Pochergina, a parent in a neighborhood often hit by attacks. "The school is three floors down, and we were told it is the deepest school in Kharkiv. That's why I believe it is safe."

Pochergina admitted she had not expected in-person classes to resume so soon. "We did not expect it would be possible this year, but as a parent, I was desperate for my child to be able to attend normal school," she said.

The first day of school in Ukraine traditionally includes flowers and gifts for teachers. Even in the underground classrooms, children arrive with smiles and handshakes, guided quickly down stairwells by teachers.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said three more underground schools would open in the new year, while six metro stations had already been converted into classrooms. "It is big, there are 1,500 students here," he said at one site in Nova Saltivka. "The depth is significant for the school."

For 6-year-old Maria Yampolska, the day marked more than a return to lessons. "I never went [to kindergarten] because of the war," she said, proudly holding up her artwork after class.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Illinois Intelligencer.

More Information

null in null

North America

Section

"I don't think we have...": Trump responds to his earlier 'India lost to China' remarks

By Reena Bhardwaj Washington DC [US], September 6 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Friday responded to his post on Truth Social...

Trump's India lost to China remark reflects his "frustrations"

Washington, DC [US], September 5 (ANI): On US President Donald Trump's latest remarks claiming that the United States has 'lost India...

"Disappointing to hear rhetoric": MP Milind Deora criticises US for risking ties with India

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 6 (ANI): Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora criticised the United States for 'rhetoric'...

"India buys Russian oil purely to feed Russia war machine": WH Trade Advisor Peter Navarro

Washington, DC [US], September 6 (ANI): Peter Navarro, Senior Counsellor for Trade and Manufacturing for US President Donald Trump,...

Gabriela Dabrowski, Erin Routliffe win U.S. Open women's doubles title

(Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images) Third-seeded Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe notched a 6-4, 6-4 victory over top-seeded...

Week 1 FNF: Chiefs-Chargers Preview, Props, Prediction

(Photo credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images) Brazil landed a marquee matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers playing 'host' to the Kansas...

International

Section