KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday highlighted the need to protect access to education despite Russia's ongoing invasion, saying the country's future depends on ensuring children and young people can continue learning safely even as the war disrupts daily life.
In remarks issued as Ukraine marked continuing efforts to sustain education during the conflict, Zelenskyy said maintaining learning opportunities remained a national priority alongside the country's defense, stressing that education was essential to Ukraine's long-term recovery and resilience. His comments coincided with international observances focused on youth skills and education.
Ukraine's education system has faced repeated disruption since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Schools have been damaged or destroyed in attacks, while frequent air raid alerts have forced classes into shelters or online formats. Authorities have expanded remote learning, introduced blended teaching where security conditions permit, and invested in protective infrastructure to allow more students to return to classrooms safely.
The Office of the President has repeatedly linked education to Ukraine's reconstruction plans. At the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk in late June, First Lady Olena Zelenska said safe educational environments could not wait until the war ended, arguing that children needed secure conditions for learning immediately. Ukrainian officials at the conference outlined government efforts to expand in-person schooling through the construction of shelters, improvements to school nutrition and mental health services, and cooperation with international partners.
International organizations have also warned that prolonged interruptions to schooling risk lasting effects on children's learning and well-being. UNICEF has called for continued investment in safe in-person education, protection of schools and sustained support for children affected by the conflict, while emphasizing the importance of addressing learning losses and mental health needs.
The United Nations marked World Youth Skills Day on July 15 with renewed calls for governments to strengthen education and vocational training systems. Secretary-General António Guterres said young people required quality education and new skills, including digital literacy and critical thinking, to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
Ukraine's government has said it will continue working with domestic institutions and international partners to preserve access to education, restore damaged facilities where possible, and expand safe learning opportunities as the conflict continues.
