Ukraine school children prepare for threat of Russian invasion
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Russia could launch bomb attacks against Ukrainian schools, according to leading politicians and security officials in the country. Earlier this week, Ukrainian law enforcement and bomb experts held training sessions for pupils on what to do in the scenario of a Russian bomb attack. The training sessions and emergency drills, which were broadcast on Ukrainian media, follows escalating tensions with Russia, which has amassed more than 100,000 troops on its border.
At one point during the training session, a Ukrainian bomb disposal expert warned pupils that Russian agents could hide explosives inside an owl toy mascot.
The bomb expert, Oleksandr Shcherbin, told the pupils that the stuffed toy could hold a kilogram of explosives, enough to kill anyone within five metres and wound those up to 15 metres away.
Mr Shcherbin also taught the students how to recognise improvised explosive devices resembling a box of chocolates and a mobile phone case.
A series of hoax bomb alerts this year has already forced the evacuation of schools in almost every city in the country.
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The country has recorded more than 300 bomb threats so far this year, compared to 1,100 for the entire 2021.
Ukraine claims the bomb hoaxes are part of what they called Vladimir Putin’s ‘hybrid warfare’ strategy.
Ukraine’s Centre of Defense Strategies think-tank said the invasion threat could include cyberattacks, disinformation, as well as bomb threats at schools, subway systems, and government buildings.
Alina Frolova, the deputy head of the think-tank, said: “It’s always very sensitive when it’s about children.
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“It creates a lot of tension and stress for the parents, for the whole society.”
“It ties up law enforcement services. It’s easier to make a mistake when the constant tension makes everyone tired. It is to destabilise and demoralise the population.”
A spokesman for Ukraine’s Security Service told Reuters: “The purpose of Russian special services is obvious – to put additional pressure on Ukraine, sow anxiety and panic among the public.”
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One 13-year-old student named Zhenya said: “It’s scary. It makes you realise this can become our everyday reality.
“I like going to school for lessons and to meet friends. Not for this.”
Earlier today, top US General Mark Milley warned that a Russian invasion of Ukraine would be “horrific”.
General Milley said: “If that was unleashed on Ukraine, it would be significant, very significant, and it would result in a significant amount of casualties.”
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