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.
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.