School survival

In 2014, armed separatist forces, backed by Russian troops, occupied part of Ukraine’s Donbas region. A border formed between the Ukrainian military and illegal armed groups. The city of Krymske in Luhansk Oblast found itself on this demarcation line. In peacetime, the city was a real resort area of Luhansk Oblast. The city was cut off from the outside world. Paved roads were blocked as they were controlled by militants. The only way in was a pontoon bridge. The main threat to civilians was minefields and forest belts. The city school was partially destroyed and completely looted by marauders. The school was then rebuilt, and in 2019, 25 students studied there. Almost every day for 8 years, the militants shelled the cities. Such survival conditions were a serious test for local residents. In 2022, Russia occupied the village of Krymske.
Today, these children are once again facing the serious challenges of occupation. The school of survival continues.

2019.
Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром

City Crimean Lugansk region. Ukraine 2019. Google map.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром

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.»

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

School. Crimean city 2019.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

School. Crimean city 2019.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

Schoolyard. Vladislavа  14 years old.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

Crimean city 2019.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

School. Albina 11 years.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

Crimean city 2019.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art DonbassSchoolyard.  Vladislava is 11 years old.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

Crimean city 2019.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

Schoolyard. Anya 3 years.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

Egor 16 years old.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

Crimean city 2019.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

Military shelter underground. The place the military lives is called — Dugout.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

A checkpoint near the city of Crimean. A place that militants constantly bombard.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass
Dasha 8 years old.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

Before the war, local residents worked in mines, but now, due to hostilities, coal mining has stopped.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art DonbassThe enemy reversion reconnaissance groups are hiding in the forest. They can attack or shoot at any time.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

Bogdan 14 years old.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

Brother and sister are standing near the school bomb shelter. Danil is 5 years old and Anya is 3 years old.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

The area around the city is mined. Periodically, people explode on mines.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

Crimean city 2019.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

Schoolyard. Lera 12 years old.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

The principal of the school, Irina, is near her home.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

Sonya 11 years old.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

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.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

Anya 3 years

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

Schoolyard. Alina 11 years old.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

Crimean city 2019.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

Schoolyard. Nina 3 years.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

Single mother has 5 children. She bakes bread for the military and earns $ 30 a month.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

Football field for schoolchildren.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

Crimean city 2019. Charity worker. He installs windows that were knocked out as a result of the bombing.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

Vladislavа is 11 years old.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

Arseny 11 years old.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

Crimean city 2019.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

Sofia 11 years.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

Nina 3 years.

 

Крымское война Донбасс Алена Гром ALena Grom War Art Donbass

Pupils. The school has 25 students.

 

Children are waiting for a school bus.