Tim Hryshchuk never imagined starting school in a basement. But on September 2, Kyiv sounded an air raid alert, and the 5-year-old and his classmates had no choice but to head underground.
Since Russia escalated drone attacks earlier this year, air raids have grown more frequent and now often happen during the day. Kyiv alone has faced over 1,800 alerts, totaling more than 2,200 hours, since the invasion began in February 2022.
Schools in Ukraine have strict safety protocols. First-graders like Tim now learn evacuation routes and shelter locations alongside regular school routines. At Kyiv Gymnasium of Oriental Languages 1, all 700 students reach the shelter within six minutes, guided by teachers and a police officer.
Teachers focus not only on physical safety but also mental well-being. They play games, tell stories, or show videos to help children cope during long alerts.
Air raids also disrupt daily life. At Kyiv’s Lavina Mall, alarms trigger traffic jams and force shoppers to act quickly. People now shop with purpose, often making emotional, spur-of-the-moment purchases. Cultural events, movies, and concerts face interruptions, creating a new measure for films: if viewers return after an alert, the movie must be good.
