In 2014, armed separatist groups, supported by Russian troops, occupied part of the Ukrainian Donbas. A border has been formed between the Ukrainian military and illegal armed formations. The city of Krymske, Lugansk region, is located on the line of demarcation. In peacetime, the city was a real resort area of the Luhansk region.
The city was cut off from the outside world. Asphalt roads were closed because militants were stationed there. The only way is the pontoon bridge, which was installed by military engineers. The main threat to the civilian population is minefields and forest belts. Militants bomb the city almost daily. Residents are forced to hide in shelters for 6 years.
The city school was destroyed and completely plundered by marauders. Sometimes soldiers lived there. In 2019, the school had 25 students.
The youth who can survive this war will become a full-fledged member of Ukrainian society. These children will receive their identity cards, their right to vote and choose their future, they will receive their powers and responsibilities, as well as the mistakes and traumas of previous generations. They will have to carry on their shoulders the future that has grown out of today’s militarized reality.
2019.
In 2022, Russia occupied the city of Krymskoye.
City Crimean Lugansk region. Ukraine 2019. Google map.
On school posters it says: «Country of boys and girls»; «The school’s motto is for the homeland, good and conscience»; «Soul to God, Life to Ukraine, Honor to oneself.»
School. Crimean city 2019.
School. Crimean city 2019.
Schoolyard. Vladislavа 14 years old.
Crimean city 2019.
School. Albina 11 years.
Crimean city 2019.
Schoolyard. Vladislava is 11 years old.
Crimean city 2019.
Schoolyard. Anya 3 years.
Egor 16 years old.
Crimean city 2019.
Military shelter underground. The place the military lives is called — Dugout.
A checkpoint near the city of Crimean. A place that militants constantly bombard.
Dasha 8 years old.
Before the war, local residents worked in mines, but now, due to hostilities, coal mining has stopped.
The enemy reversion reconnaissance groups are hiding in the forest. They can attack or shoot at any time.
Bogdan 14 years old.
Brother and sister are standing near the school bomb shelter. Danil is 5 years old and Anya is 3 years old.
The area around the city is mined. Periodically, people explode on mines.
Crimean city 2019.
Schoolyard. Lera 12 years old.
The principal of the school, Irina, is near her home.
Sonya 11 years old.
Due to the geographical location of the City, Crimean is isolated from the outside world. The only way to get into the city is through the pontoon bridge, which is guarded by the military.
Anya 3 years
Schoolyard. Alina 11 years old.
Crimean city 2019.
Schoolyard. Nina 3 years.
Single mother has 5 children. She bakes bread for the military and earns $ 30 a month.
Football field for schoolchildren.
Crimean city 2019. Charity worker. He installs windows that were knocked out as a result of the bombing.
Vladislavа is 11 years old.
Arseny 11 years old.
Crimean city 2019.
Sofia 11 years.
Nina 3 years.
Pupils. The school has 25 students.
Children are waiting for a school bus.