NURSERY kids in Ukraine dress as angels to perform a nativity play — in a bomb-proof bunker 20ft below ground.
Children as young as three in the frontline city of Zaporizhzhia wished for victory and peace after teachers transformed their shelters with lights and decorations, while St Nicholas handed out gifts.
It took place in one of several schools built underground to offer a safe space to learn as the war with Russia drags on.
In Kharkiv, which has pioneered them, 43 are currently being built.
Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska said: “When I talk about underground schools, gloomy images of a life without windows come to mind.
“But in my opinion, the scenes of destruction caused by the Russians are much more dismal.
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“Protective structures not only save lives, but also maintain their normal rhythm.
“They give the opportunity to go to school, meet friends and teachers in person, attend clubs or extra classes.”
Yesterday 11 people, including one child, were injured in an aerial blitz on Zaporizhzhia.
Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is willing to drop his ambition to join Nato in return for tough security guarantees from the US and Europe in a bid to end the war.
He will join European leaders including Sir Keir Starmer in Berlin today for another round of peace talks.