Knowledge Day in wartime
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy paid a visit to a school in Kyiv Oblast on 1 September 2026 to mark the start of the school year and wish students well. Because of a Russian air strike, the opening lessons were held in a bomb shelter. Students in grades 1 through 4 took part in a nationwide lesson called "Language of Dignity: Seeing the Person Behind Words," and Zelenskyy joined the children in completing a quest task as part of the celebrations. This year's Knowledge Day was another reminder of how the full-scale invasion continues to shape everyday school life.
Speaking on the "United News" telethon, the president described the broader situation, saying Russians had spent the past two weeks shelling infrastructure in an attempt to derail the start of the school year. He noted that many international partners are on vacation and have effectively not responded to the strikes. Zelenskyy also recalled that the school he visited had been destroyed by Russian forces in March 2022 and was fully restored in autumn 2025.
A rebuilt school designed for students
The school now has a shelter, an independent energy supply, modern learning spaces, sports facilities, and a renovated canteen. Meals are provided under a reform spearheaded by First Lady Olena Zelenska, which guarantees free hot lunches for every pupil.
"I congratulate our first-graders, who are absolutely brave, as well as their parents and all schoolchildren, and our unbreakable state. It is very important that children have gone to school, and very important that so much has been prepared." — Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy also stressed the value of peace: "Children should have everything. I am very glad there is a modern school kitchen and children have everything they need. What is missing is peace. That is the truth. We will certainly do everything to make that happen."
According to the president, even among enemies there is an understanding that children are children, but "the Russkies" are turning children into participants in the war. He said: "I believe that if international signals were being sent, then on 1 September... The Russkies, in addition to our Armed Forces, are gradually afraid when diplomacy sounds loudly."
Thus, Knowledge Day in 2026 was marked not only by festive events but also by the president's clear position on continuing the fight for security and children's right to education in Ukraine.
Marking Knowledge Day under wartime conditions underscores how much education and stability matter for Ukraine's children. The rebuilding of destroyed schools and the introduction of new learning standards reflect the state's efforts to give the rising generation the knowledge and conditions it needs to develop. At the same time, the president's remarks point to the need for stronger international support for Ukraine's fight for security and peace, especially in protecting schools and the learning process from aggression.
The ongoing threat of Russian attacks has prompted concerns about the safety of school gatherings. In light of these circumstances, the education ombudsman has recommended canceling traditional school assemblies to protect students. This recommendation reflects the broader challenges schools face during these turbulent times. For more insights on the impact of such threats on educational practices, see the full story regarding school assembly cancellations.