Ombudsman Urges Remote Work for Teachers as Winter Break May Extend to 2026

Remote Work During School Holidays

According to Главком: Educational Ombudsman Nadiia Leshchynska has called on school administrators to permit teachers to work remotely during the extended holidays. This appeal is a direct response to the ongoing state of emergency in Ukraine's energy sector, which is severely disrupting educational activities. Leshchynska highlighted the unreasonable hardship of requiring staff to work in unheated buildings, stating:

Do not force teachers to work in cold classrooms during the holidays. - Nadiia Leshchynska

Potential Extension of Winter Holidays

Separately, Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko has announced that the winter school break could be prolonged until February 1, 2026. It is important to note that this potential measure applies only to schools and not to preschools or kindergartens. The final decision on whether to implement remote learning or extend the holidays will be made by the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) in coordination with regional military administrations.

This situation underscores the profound impact of Ukraine's energy crisis on its public institutions, particularly education. With cold weather and potential heating failures in school buildings, remote learning is being considered a vital tool to maintain educational continuity and safeguard the well-being of students and staff. The government's readiness to adapt the academic calendar reflects the severe and ongoing challenges the nation faces, decisions that will likely shape the education system for years to come.