Extended Winter Break for Kyiv Schools
Kyiv has extended the winter break for its schools until February 1, 2026, a direct response to a severe crisis in the city's energy supply. This decision was prompted by major attacks on the capital's energy infrastructure. Schools in Kyiv have been temporarily closed since January 16, 2023. This followed a massive assault on Kyiv's power grid on January 9, 2023, and a subsequent Russian attack on a DTEK thermal power plant on January 13, 2023. These strikes are part of a wider campaign targeting Ukraine's civilian infrastructure.
The winter holidays for Kyiv schools originally began on December 25, 2022, and were scheduled to end on January 11, 2023. However, due to the ongoing situation, on January 15, 2023, Yuliia Svyrydenko announced the necessity of extending the break, which was then implemented. According to the new schedule, the academic year in the capital's schools will resume after the holidays conclude, with the final school bell ringing on May 29, 2026.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal noted that this decision is a strategic step to support the city's energy system.
Situation in the Kyiv Region
Meanwhile, educational institutions in the Kyiv region are operating as usual, highlighting a significant disparity in the situation between the capital and its surrounding areas.
This move underscores the severe energy challenges Kyiv is confronting and the importance of adapting the educational process to current conditions. The extended break will allow resources to be focused on restoring critical energy infrastructure, which is vital for ensuring safety and stability in the capital. The contrasting situation in the Kyiv region, where schools function normally, demonstrates the varying levels of energy stability across different parts of the country.