School in Ukraine Under War Conditions
For most children in Canada or the USA, the first day of school is filled with excitement – new backpacks and crisp notebooks, the anticipation of learning, and the joy of reconnecting with friends to share stories from the summer.
But in Ukraine, the first day of school looked very different. For millions of children scarred by the realities of war, this once-special day was clouded by fear. Will it be safe to go? Will the air raid sirens sound again? Despite these uncertainties, 4.6 million Ukrainian children are returning to classrooms – facing immense challenges such as…
Underground classrooms. Traditional classrooms have been replaced with basements, bomb shelters, and underground subway stations.
Online or hybrid learning. More than one-third of students can’t attend classes in person and must rely entirely on virtual lessons, which limits both their learning and social connections.
Damaged Infrastructure. Since 2022, at least one in seven schools has been damaged or destroyed. This ongoing conflict has caused severe learning setbacks and deepened the mental health struggles of countless children.
Yet, in the midst of these hardships, one principal declared with resolve: “Ukrainian children are determined to keep learning and to claim their right to education—whether in basements, metro stations, or online.”
To learn more about what education looks like in Ukraine today, explore the articles below…
ARTICLE
Ukraine’s children start the new school year in underground classrooms to avoid Russian bombs.
GOD’S FAITHFULNESS IN THE MIDST OF WAR
Unshakable Worship and Faith
A missile strike on a church. Windows shattered. Doors blown open. Step into the bombed church courtyard where faith overcame fear. What happened next will strengthen your faith… READ MORE
Lifting Sasha and Yulia in Prayer
Following our last E-Newsletter, many of you reached out asking how you could help support Sasha and Yulia—both with his ongoing medical treatment and the prosthetics he will need in the next phase of his recovery.
If you would like to make a gift toward Sasha’s healing and future, please click the link below and follow the instructions.
Most importantly, we ask that you continue to hold Sasha and Yulia in your prayers as they walk through this difficult journey together.
Video of Sasha:
Just before he was seriously injured, Sasha had recorded a short THANK YOU to HART for providing him and his soldiers with nutritious food packages.
“Thank you, friends, I want to show you what we are having for lunch. This food is a big blessing. My soldiers and I are very grateful to you for giving us good food to eat.”
Here is a summary of key events from the past two weeks of the war.
Where things stand
- Frontline: Russia still occupies roughly 20% of Ukraine (including Crimea and large parts of Donetsk/Luhansk). Fighting remains heaviest in the east (Donetsk) and along the northeast axis (Kharkiv/Sumy approaches).
- Air war & deep strikes: Over the last two weeks, Ukraine has intensified drone/missile strikes on Russian oil infrastructure (Ryazan, Saratov and other sites), causing fires and partial shutdowns; Russia has continued large overnight barrages across Ukraine.
The past two weeks (highlights & dates)
- Aug 15–16: The Alaska summit between Presidents Trump and Putin ended without a ceasefire; both sides called the talks “constructive,” but no deal emerged.
- Aug 19–22: The U.S. and European allies began drafting “security guarantee” options for Ukraine (Europe likely to shoulder the lion’s share; U.S. air support left open). Kyiv says details could be formalized on paper within 7–10 days. Moscow insists such talks must include Russia.
- Aug 21–22: Zelenskyy accused Moscow of using mass drone/missile strikes to avoid real negotiations; reports also noted refinery fires inside Russia and fuel supply strains.
- Aug 22: With no breakthrough after Alaska, Washington again floated tougher Russia sanctions; intra-European debates continued over any future troop roles tied to guarantees.
Peace initiatives (what’s actually on the table)
- Security guarantees: Western planners are sketching post-deal guarantees intended to deter renewed invasion – likely heavy European involvement, possible U.S. enablers, and a long-term posture inside/around Ukraine. Russia objects to being excluded from those talks.
- Core dispute: Reuters-sourced reporting (echoed by other outlets) indicates the Kremlin’s baseline demands remain sweeping: recognition of control over all of Donbas, a NATO renunciation/neutrality clause, and limits on Western troops in/around Ukraine. Kyiv publicly rejects territorial concessions.
Outlook: likelihood of continued fighting
- Short term: High. Both sides are still trying to improve bargaining positions: Russia pushes on the Donetsk front and along the northern axis; Ukraine seeks to degrade Russia’s fuel/logistics with deep-strike campaigns. Absent a ceasefire or a major shift in demands, expect continued pressure and periodic escalations.
- Medium term: The viability of any framework depends on credible, resourced guarantees and on whether Moscow moderates territorial/NATO demands. For now, no Zelenskyy-Putin meeting is set, despite U.S. efforts.
Does Putin want to end the war now?
- Answer: Only on his terms. Current signals suggest the Kremlin is open to a settlement that locks in territorial gains, bars Ukraine from NATO, and limits Western military presence, not to a withdrawal that restores Ukraine’s sovereignty. ISW continues to assess that Moscow frames the full “absorption” of the four annexed oblasts as inevitable to force Western/ Ukrainian capitulation. That posture – plus ongoing offensive actions – points to continued fighting unless Kyiv accepts concessions it currently rejects.
ARTICLE
Fate of thousands of Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia hangs in the balance of talks
ARTICLE
Putin’s failed summer offensive shatters the myth of inevitable Russian victory
Share this Blog
Help us spread the word. We invite you to share HART’s mission in Ukraine with your friends and family. By forwarding our blog posts, you’re helping others discover the incredible impact of this ministry – and inviting them to be part of a story of hope, healing, and transformation.
Pray Together with Your Church, Family, and Friends for:
- A just and lasting peace — that light would overcome darkness.
- Defenders, veterans, prisoners, and their families — for strength, protection, and hope.
- Christians and non-believers in occupied territories — for endurance under persecution.
- The safe return of kidnapped children & healing for broken families.
- Comfort for the grieving & restoration for the wounded.
- Protection of cities, villages, and civilians from relentless attacks.
- Global perseverance in standing with Ukraine during this long struggle.
- Wisdom and courage for world leaders as they confront tyranny.
