Amid intensifying Russian strikes on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure, Kharkiv has built its first underground kindergarten, reshaping how children receive education in the city during wartime.
Speaking at the GLOBSEC Forum, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said Kharkiv has already been forced to construct 10 underground schools and has converted at least one metro station into a learning facility as Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure continue.
“Today we are building the first kindergarten underground. Terrible, of course, terrible… I don’t want our enemy to take away from our children the opportunity to study. I don’t want our enemy to take away our children’s childhood,” Terekhov said, according to United24media.
Terekhov reflected on the ongoing Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure, including transport systems and residential areas, saying, “People, children, adults go to sleep and pray to wake up. And this is a pity. In fact, war is a pity and evil.”
Despite the ongoing attacks, Ukraine remains focused on the long-term future of its citizens, particularly children. Terekhov said it is essential for the international community to continue supporting Ukraine with financial and humanitarian assistance, highlighting the role of democratic partners in shaping a new global security framework.
He also thanked the United State for its support and expressed hope for the war to end.
Underground schools already operating
As part of a wider effort to preserve access to education during wartime, a second underground school has been opened in the Kharkiv region, in Pechenihy – a settlement southeast of Kharkiv – after the area was repeatedly targeted by Russian air strikes.
The project cost approximately $70,754, with most of the funding provided by international partners, and $7,000 from the local budget.
According to the principal of the local high school, Oksana Pomyliako, many young children attending the underground facilities will experience face-to-face education for the first time.