Full Breakdown
Life in the Shadows: The Impact of War on Children in Nikopol, Ukraine
2/21/2026, 9:17:35 PM
Daily Life Under Threat
Nikopol, a city in Ukraine located near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, has been under constant threat since the onset of the war in 2022. The population has halved to approximately 50,000 residents, with around 6,500 of them being children. The city faces daily attacks, primarily from Russian forces utilizing First Person View (FPV) drones, which have become a significant threat to civilians. These drones allow operators to target individuals directly, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty for those who remain.
The Underground School: A Refuge for Learning
In response to the ongoing violence, an underground school has been established in Nikopol, providing a safe haven for children to learn and socialize. The school, supported by Street Child International, offers not only education but also counseling and meals. For many children, this underground setting is a rare opportunity to experience normalcy amidst chaos. Teacher Iryna Sichkarenko emphasizes the importance of these sessions, stating, “Here we can discuss our dreams, weekends, plans, interests. It’s live communication and we value every minute we can meet.”
Psychological Toll on Children
The psychological impact of the war is evident among the students. Bohdan, a seven-year-old, enjoys school but struggles with anxiety, often reacting with emotional outbursts. His mother, Inna Liaskovska, describes the fear they experience daily, likening their situation to being hunted. “It’s a targeted safari on people,” she states, reflecting the pervasive sense of danger that looms over their lives. Many families, including Bohdan's, have temporarily relocated for safety but ultimately returned to Nikopol, as Inna explains, “Home is home.”
The Challenge of Socialization
The underground school also faces challenges in fostering social interaction among students. Anatasia Ukhan, the local manager for Street Child International, notes that many children, especially teenagers, are becoming increasingly withdrawn. “Desocialisation is happening. It will be a huge problem in the future,” she warns. This isolation is compounded by the daily threat of drone strikes and artillery, which Sophia Prokopenko, a 15-year-old student, describes as an omnipresent danger. “You go out into the street, and you can see or hear a drone. They are everywhere,” she says.
Conclusion: The Resilience of Youth
Despite the dire circumstances, the children of Nikopol continue to show resilience. The underground school serves as a crucial lifeline, providing not only education but also a sense of community and safety. As the conflict persists, the long-term effects on these young lives remain uncertain, but their determination to remain in their home city reflects a deep-rooted connection to their community, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
