Full Breakdown
Kharkiv's Resilience Amid Ongoing Conflict
2/9/2026, 9:05:50 PM
Underground Education in a War Zone
In the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, public life has largely transitioned underground due to the ongoing conflict with Russia. After four years of relentless bombardment, the city has established eight schools within its subway stations, allowing children to continue their education in a safer environment. Each underground school can accommodate up to 1,200 students, providing a semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos of war. Mayor Ihor Terekhov emphasized the uniqueness of these "metro schools," stating, “We are the only city in the world with so-called metro schools.”
The Impact of Continuous Shelling
Kharkiv, located just 18 miles from the Russian border, has faced significant destruction since the onset of the war in February 2022. By April 2024, nearly a quarter of the city had been devastated, with over 48 multi-apartment buildings and approximately 3,500 private houses damaged. Despite the ongoing shelling, Terekhov expressed a desire for peace, asserting that achieving this goal would require long-term security guarantees from the United States and its allies. He stated, “Dream number one is, put an end to the war,” highlighting the urgent need for international support.
Calls for Security Guarantees
Mayor Terekhov has called for a century of security guarantees from the U.S. and other allies to ensure lasting peace in Ukraine. He noted that without such support, the dreams of returning to surface schools and living authentically would remain unfulfilled. Terekhov acknowledged the contributions of both President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky in efforts to end the conflict, expressing gratitude for American assistance.
Skepticism Towards Russian Intentions
Despite the calls for peace, Terekhov remains skeptical about Russian President Vladimir Putin's commitment to ending hostilities. He pointed to recent violations of ceasefires, including a breach of an energy truce brokered by Trump, which lasted only four days before Russian forces launched attacks on Ukrainian power plants. Terekhov remarked, “When power plants become targets of attacks, it becomes clear who this war is truly being waged against.” He emphasized that genuine intentions would only be believed when the shelling ceases and civilian casualties stop.
Conclusion: The Need for Continued Support
As Kharkiv endures the ongoing conflict, the establishment of underground schools symbolizes the resilience of its residents. However, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges, underscoring the critical need for sustained international support and security guarantees to protect the city and its inhabitants from further devastation.
