In a troubling start to the school year, Russian forces launched a barrage of drones and missiles at Kyiv overnight, injuring three people and damaging kindergartens, as residents sought refuge in bomb shelters.

The attacks, which included 35 missiles and 26 drones, not only transformed the first day back at school into chaos but also highlighted the persistent threat faced by civilians in Kyiv. With multiple explosions resulting in injuries and extensive damage to infrastructure, city authorities canceled some classes, forcing parents and children into bomb shelters amid continued fears for their safety. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the nation's commitment to maintaining educational opportunities for children despite the ongoing assaults.

The barrage of drones and missiles erupted just as children were set to return to classrooms, amplifying the anxiety surrounding the new school year. Three people sustained injuries during the attacks, while two kindergartens suffered damage, impacting the early educational environment for young children. Local reports indicated that debris from intercepted missiles and drones fell across every district in Kyiv, contributing to the sense of chaos and danger.

City authorities reported multiple fires ignited by the attacks, which prompted urgent responses from emergency services. Residents, gripped by fear and uncertainty, quickly sought shelter in bomb shelters scattered throughout the city. Eyewitness accounts from the night described a cacophony of explosions and sirens, underscoring the critical state of alert in a city that has experienced prolonged periods of violence.

The first day of school was marred by the violence, with some classes canceled due to the damage inflicted by the latest round of attacks. This situation demonstrates the ongoing disruption to normal life that Ukrainians, especially families with children, continue to face due to the conflict. President Zelenskyy reiterated his administration's efforts to provide safe educational opportunities despite the recurrent threat from military actions.

The scale of the assault was significant, with Ukrainian air defenses intercepting nine ballistic missiles, 13 cruise missiles, and 20 drones. This figure highlights both the intensity of the attack and the capabilities of Ukraine's air defense systems. However, the effectiveness of these defenses did not prevent injuries or damage to civilian infrastructure, raising questions about the safety of urban areas in conflict zones.

In parallel to the attacks on Kyiv, separate incidents were reported elsewhere in the country. A partial destruction occurred at an educational center in Sumy, although no children were present at the time. Additionally, an explosion in Kharkiv's Industrialnyi district ignited several residential buildings, compounding the impact of the attacks across the nation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the ongoing military operations in the Kursk region, linking these to the broader context of the military conflict in the Donbas area. This development signifies the continuous military engagement from Russia, impacting not only the strategic landscape but also the daily lives of civilians.

The current situation in Kyiv and surrounding regions has led to heightened feelings of fear and anxiety among residents. Reports indicate that the civilian population is now grappling with the aftermath of the latest attacks, reflecting broader societal concerns about safety and security in a time of war.

As the war persists, Ukraine remains focused on the resilience of its educational system amidst the conflict. The commitment of the Ukrainian government to maintain opportunities for children, even in the face of these violent disruptions, underscores the nation’s dedication to recovery and stability despite the overwhelming challenges posed by ongoing military aggression.