Prolonged air raid alerts: schools will choose their own learning format

Schools in Ukraine will decide independently how to organize classes during prolonged air raid alerts. Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi announced the relevant decision by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on October 15, 2026.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the safety of children and teachers is an absolute priority. Everyone must stay in a shelter during an air raid alert.

The government’s decision allows lessons to be held in classrooms or shelters, as well as combining in-person classes with remote learning. When choosing a format, schools must take into account the security situation, the number of people the shelter can accommodate, and the conditions inside it.

If the shelter’s capacity or facilities do not allow all classes to be held in person, priority will be given to subjects in the following educational fields:

• mathematics;
• natural sciences;
• languages and literature;
• civics;
• history.

Other subjects may be taught remotely if necessary.

Schools must provide a flexible schedule and a clear approach to organizing lessons. Parents must be informed in advance about how their children will be taught so that families can plan their day.

Communities are expected to help schools adapt learning to prolonged alerts. They have been instructed to explore the possibility of holding classes in other equipped shelters as well.

At schools that operate in person, shelters must provide suitable conditions for children and teachers to stay for extended periods. The mandatory requirements include:

• spaces for learning;
• lighting;
• backup power;
• internet access;
• adequate sanitary facilities.

The Ministry of Education and Science will monitor implementation of the government’s decision every month.

We wrote earlier:

• Schoolchildren studying in person in Mykolaiv Oblast to be provided with safe conditions
• More than 80% of schools in Ukraine are already equipped with shelters, says the Ministry of Education
• 45 schools in Mykolaiv begin in-person classes
• 25,000 children left, but 17,000 have already returned, says Vitalii Kim
• Government allocates over ₴3 billion for school shelters: two projects in Mykolaiv Oblast