More than 2,000 children live behind the front lines in Ukraine. Many families refuse to leave and try to give their children a life as close to normalcy as possible — with playground visits, basement classes and sports they can practice with other kids their age.

Kyiv

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

Children living in eastern Ukraine, particularly in cities like Druzhkivka and Kramatorsk, are growing up in the shadow of ongoing conflict. Many have experienced years of disrupted education, limited opportunities for physical activity, and reduced social interaction due to safety concerns and evacuation orders. Despite these hardships, families often choose to stay, citing strong ties to their homes and uncertainty about where to go.

Children and parents describe a life marked by adaptation—seeking distractions in activities like martial arts or art groups, and finding ways to cope with fear and loss. According to the United Nations, over 2,500 children have been injured or killed since the start of the conflict. Parents express hope for peace and a return to normalcy, wishing for their children to attend school in person and reconnect with friends.

How children live during Russia's war in Ukraine

Children laughing in a sandbox. But this playground lies in the middle of a war zone. It's in Druzhkivka, a small city in eastern Ukraine, about 15 kilometres behind the front line. This used to be a cultural centre, and this a school. The neighbouring city is also a battlefield. We want to get a glimpse of what it's like growing up in war. Five boys have come to martial arts training today, including 16-year-old Stanislav. Because this way I learn something new, plus I have nothing else to do at home besides sit at the computer. That's why I train. Stanislav lives in Druzhkivka. He says the war has changed his life. For years now his education has been online, and many friends have fled. He talks a lot about his father, who lost a hand as a soldier. His mother works as a nurse. Vlad, the coach, explains that these children sit around at home a lot and are physically weaker than previous generations. So the training helps. That's probably the main issue, their health. The kids currently don't have the opportunity to do sport. They haven't been to school in years. So this kind of training, at least, gives them some change. More than 2,000 children are still in the city, but few people are willing to speak on camera about that, because there's an official evacuation order in place for children. Though many families choose not to comply, we want to find out why. Our first stop is Kramatorsk, a large nearby city in the Donbas. It's home to 80,000 people who are also constantly facing the perils of war. The children are playing in the basement, with air raid sirens blaring outside once again. Six-year-old Emilia is a curious little girl who catches our attention. It's Space Week, and she's learning about the solar system, rockets and planets. It's a welcome distraction, since her short life has been mostly consumed by war. I get scared when big explosions go off, and the cars get busted. It scares me. Emilia says she plays a lot on a tablet at home, but what does she want to be when she grows up? A police officer. In Kramatorsk? Yes, I love this city, but I feel very bad for it. Why? Because it's so broken. I feel really bad for it. With the war raging so close, large gatherings of children are prohibited in Kramatorsk. But a lot of parents work, and children need to be around other children, says Elena, a teacher. The kids have no one to talk to. Communication is important for their development. These children are dealing with boredom, and reduce contact with one another. A girl's art group invites us to join them. The windows are barricaded to protect against blasts. First, the girls share their favourite experiences from the last few weeks. I swam in the river, Elisa explains. She's in sixth grade. It's my biggest dream for the war to end, and for my friends to come back. And I'd love to go to the sea. Elisa also says her life has changed. She misses friends, and is often online, although she'd rather be outside. But she doesn't want to leave. At some point, war became the new normal. We normally hear faraway blasts. That's fine, but close by? That hasn't happened yet. My family is here. I'm not afraid. Or when walking with friends. I might be afraid alone, but I'm not with others. According to the United Nations, more than 2,500 children have been injured or killed in the Russian war of aggression so far. We take one last trip back to Drozhkivka, the city right by the war zone. We want to finally understand, why do parents stay here with their children, even though they're supposed to leave? On the street, we run into Nikita and his father, Alexander. I think people will decide on their own when to go. But I think it's wrong to force people to do something they don't want to do. We're getting by as long as there's power and water, and the stores stay open. Of course, he's worried about his son, he says, who wouldn't be. But Drozhkivka is their home, and he has a job here. I don't want to leave. Anyway, where would we go? No one needs people from Donbass. We asked Alexander about the future. His concerns are all about Nikita. I want him to go to a real school and be together with other kids and talk to them. I want all this to end and for them to make peace. A reasonable wish for any parent. For more information, visit www.fema.gov

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How children live during Russia's war in Ukraine

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Ukraine Invasion