As residents attempt to continue their day, children are still attending school. However, the Reuters news agency reports that some children are learning how to survive a military strike.
Reuters visited a Kharkiv school where students received lessons in how to identify explosives and how helmets and bulletproof vests are important. They also practiced evacuation drills, and learned first aid.
Oleksandr Shevchuk, a civil defense specialist, told Reuters that the lessons were very popular in the region. After a series of hoax attack bomb alerts throughout the country, students in Kyiv learned a similar lesson in January.
Shevchuk stated that they now give drills to children more often in order to avoid situations like children being injured or even dying.
Shevchuck stated that the teachers want to prevent panic from students and teachers so they keep the lesson as lighthearted as possible.
He said, “We try to demonstrate them all this, tell ‘em, let them try our uniforms, bulletproof vests, and helmets.” “Show them explosives so they are aware of possible situations.”
Arina Cherkasova (15) smiled as she was given a bulletproof vest to cover her head. The instructors then helped her to put on a bright orange helmet.
She said that it was a bit heavy and she found it funny to do this in front her friends.
While the mood was positive in the classroom, the Ukrainians are becoming more nervous about the possibility of a complete Russian invasion.
Although Kharkiv is currently under government control it is close to two areas of Ukraine’s Donbas that are being held by pro-Russian rebels and which Vladimir Putin unilaterally declared independent this week.
Putin has directed Russian forces to enter rebel-held Donetsk, Luhansk areas for “peacekeeping.” However, Ukraine and its allies have rejected the idea of Russian forces entering Ukraine for any other purpose than military invasion.
Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, has stated that Kharkiv (which lies north of rebel territory and is home for tank, aircraft and tractor factory factories) could be targeted by Russia if Russia launches a full-scale invasion.
Russia has denied plans to invade neighboring countries, but President Biden stated Tuesday that it had.
Another student, Nazar, stated that the lesson he received from his classmates was a reflection on what was going through their minds.
He told Reuters that they discussed when and if this incursion could occur, as well as whether or not it will happen. Also, what to do if it does happen. The lesson is “very relevant” given the current situation between Russia and Ukraine.
He added, “Scary.” “Very scary.”