Ukraine's frontline children yearn for return to classroom

Ukrainian third-grader Arina Herasymova attends an online reading class in her bedroom in Sloviansk, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, December 20, 2023. Ukrainian third-grade student Arina has had just over 1.5 months of in-class schooling because of the war that poses the regular threat of Russian air strikes on schools. REUTERS/Thomas Peter

SLOVIANSK, Ukraine (Reuters) - Sitting alone in her bedroom, Ukrainian third-grader Arina Herasymova cuts an image of loneliness as she stares at her teacher and classmates on a screen.

"I would like to go to school, to lessons. To play with friends during recess, not sit at home," she said.