Christian school in Ukraine sustains damage in Russia drone strikes

A Christian school in Ukraine suffered damages to its building Nov. 30 after it was hit in an alleged Russian drone attack, WORLD News Group reported Monday.

The explosion, which reports say was most likely caused by a Shahed drone, happened at 5:53 a.m. Saturday at the Kyiv Christian Academy (KCA), school officials shared in a social media post. No one was injured in the explosion, but 75 windows on the second and third floors were broken, scattering glass and debris inside the building.

“We are evaluating the situation and working with authorities. As many buildings were damaged last night, including some where rescue operations are still underway, it may take some time before we can make a full assessment and begin work,” the social media post reads. 

The school reopened Tuesday after more than 100 teachers, staff, parents and community members worked together Saturday to cover broken windows with plastic and plywood. 

Administrators said full repairs could take up to a month, as Kyiv officials are working to clean up other areas across the city damaged by Russian drone strikes, WORLD reports.  

More than 100 drones damaged buildings across the city Saturday night into Sunday morning, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. Nineteen people were injured, and one person died. 

In a social media video to followers, KCA Director Eric Moore said the broken windows represent more than just damage. 

“It’s not just the window(s), it’s not just the materials,” Moore said. “In these classrooms, children are learning. … As we clean it up, we’re restoring this place where we can be together and have our school, to bring our students into a safe place, where they know that they can be safe.” 

KCA serves K-12 students from missionary and Ukrainian families, according to its website. The school boasts 1,000 square meters of shelter space at its basement level and security personnel are on site 24/7.