On October 23, 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted a resolution regulating access to shelters in educational institutions. These changes affect both schools and kindergartens, defining the rules for using protective structures during air alerts.
Access Rules for Shelters in Schools
According to the new requirements, during in-person classes, priority access to shelters in schools is granted to students and staff of the institution. However, outside of the educational process, school shelters will remain available to the public in accordance with the established procedure.
Additionally, local authorities may make decisions regarding the joint use of shelters for participants in the educational process and the public. In such cases, students and adults must be accommodated in separate rooms.
Access Restrictions in Kindergartens
As for preschool educational institutions, shelters in kindergartens are intended exclusively for children and staff of the institution. Entry for outsiders is prohibited.
Reactions to the New Rules
These changes are driven by the need to ensure the safety of children and staff in educational institutions during emergencies. Authorities emphasize that access to shelters must be clearly regulated to avoid risks for all participants in the educational process.