In Sumy, a new underground school now offers classroom space for more than 500 pupils.

A New Protective Facility in Sumy

According to МЗС: One of Sumy's schools now houses a modern dual-purpose shelter, built to serve as a fully equipped underground school with room for more than 500 students. The project was made possible with backing from the European Union and Lithuania. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha joined the opening ceremony online, thanking the EU and Lithuania for their support and recognizing the Sumy regional military administration for its work in developing the frontline area.

What This Means for Education in a Frontline City

Sybiha pointed out that Russian attacks deprive Ukrainian children of normal school life, forcing them to stop lessons during air alerts and take cover from rockets and drones. Until that threat is gone, he stressed, it is vital to provide spaces where children can learn safely, interact with teachers and classmates, and remain in their home city. Because Sumy lies close to the front line, modern safety solutions are essential for schooling. This newly opened shelter is a key step in that direction, offering a protected environment for lessons.

The EU Ambassador Katarina Mathernova and Lithuanian Ambassador Inga Stanytė-Toločkienė also visited Sumy in person, underscoring international commitment to protecting children and keeping education going under dangerous conditions. Beyond keeping children safe, this kind of initiative shows how international partners are helping Ukraine respond to war. For frontline communities such as Sumy, rapid measures to create safe learning spaces are urgently needed, and this project carries real weight for both the local population and the future of Ukrainian children.

By opening this shelter, Sumy has taken an important stride toward sustaining education in wartime conditions.