Drone strike destroys kindergarten in Kharkiv, Ukraine
22 October 2025Plan International is deeply shocked and saddened by reports of a drone strike by Russian Forces on a kindergarten in Kharkiv, Ukraine, which has killed 1 adult and injured several others.
While all 48 children sheltering in the basement survived without physical injuries, they endured terrifying moments as explosions destroyed their school above them.
“A place meant for learning, play and laughter has now been set ablaze,” said Sven Coppens, Plan International’s Ukraine Refugee Crisis Response Director. “No child should fear for their life in a classroom. Attacking a kindergarten or a school is a grave violation of children’s rights which may amount to a war crime.”
“Local responders described children in shock – clinging to teachers, crying. Imagine being 5 years old and seeing your classroom in flames. Imagine the panic of parents racing to their children’s school, finding it in flames.
“We are deeply relieved that the children are alive, but this is no happy ending. One adult caring for them was killed, and several others were hurt. What the children endured today will stay with them.
Children continue to pay highest price
“More than 3 and a half years into this devastating war, children in Ukraine continue to pay the highest price. Each new attack deepens their trauma and erodes their safety, education, and hopes for the future”, Coppens said.
Schools and education facilities are protected civilian objects under the Geneva Conventions and must never be targeted.
Plan International stands in solidarity with every child, parent, and teacher affected by this tragedy. The child rights NGO calls for full respect of international humanitarian law, the protection of civilians, and the safeguarding of schools and kindergartens as safe spaces for children.
Categories: Emergencies
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