The Ukrainian government has introduced new rules for the use of protective structures in educational institutions. Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1288, dated October 15, 2026, established that during in-person learning, school shelters are accessible exclusively to participants in the educational process, while in kindergartens, they are restricted to children and staff only. Clarifications regarding access procedures were provided by the Department of Education and Science of the Kyiv City State Administration (KCSA).
Who has the right to be in a school shelter during classes
According to Cabinet Resolution No. 1288, participants in the educational process in general secondary education institutions include students, pedagogical, scientific-pedagogical, and scientific workers, parents of minor students, as well as individuals carrying out educational activities and other persons involved in the educational process in accordance with the law. These categories of citizens have priority rights to use school shelters during school hours. At the same time, founders and heads of educational institutions under martial law are required to determine the conditions for public access to protective structures in accordance with procedures established by the relevant military administration.
Kindergartens: a closed-door policy without exceptions
A stricter regime applies to preschool education institutions. According to the Law "On Preschool Education," protective structures in kindergartens are used exclusively for the protection of participants in the educational process—students and staff. Unlike schools, there is no provision for the simultaneous presence of unauthorized citizens, even by decision of local authorities. This means that residents not affiliated with a specific kindergarten will not be able to use its shelter during operating hours.
Role of local authorities and potential exceptions for schools
Regarding school shelters, the resolution allows for exceptions determined by local authorities subordinate to the specific educational institution. If local authorities decide to allow the simultaneous presence of participants in the educational process and other citizens in a shelter, the school administration is required to separate designated areas, ensure the safety of children, and establish clear access procedures for outsiders. Outside of the educational process—on weekends, during school holidays, and after school hours—school shelters remain accessible to the public in accordance with general rules for the use of protective structures.
Shelter capacity in Kyiv: 375,000 places, but it is not enough
According to the KCSA Department of Education and Science, the total capacity of shelters in the capital's educational institutions is 375,000 places. Since 2022, the stock of protective structures in Kyiv schools and kindergartens has increased by 170,000 places. However, the department explicitly acknowledged that the available capacity is insufficient to fully meet the needs of all participants in the educational process in Kyiv. The format of education in the capital's institutions is determined based on the operational situation and Cabinet Resolution No. 847, dated July 1, 2026.
Who is responsible for the maintenance and support of shelters
The management of municipal educational institutions, as well as the organization of their material, technical, and financial support, fall under the purview of Kyiv's district state administrations. This is stipulated by the order of the executive body of the Kyiv City Council No. 121, dated January 31, 2011. Thus, the direct maintenance of shelters, their technical servicing, and oversight of compliance with the new access rules are vested in the district level of management.
