---
title: "Ministry of Internal Affairs Clarifies Access Rules to School Shelters"
description: "The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine clarified rules for school shelters: during classes, students have priority, while off-hours they are open to citizens."
date: 2026-10-23T14:40:40.798Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/mvd-clarifies-access-rules-school-shelters
tags: [mvs-ukrainy, shkolnye-ukrytiya, bezopasnost, kabmin, obrazovanie]
author: "Alexander Buran"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Ministry of Internal Affairs Clarifies Access Rules to School Shelters

![Renovated and equipped basement shelter in a school with benches and supplies](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/23/mvd-razyasnilo-pravila-dostupa-k-shkolnym-ukrytiyam/mvd-razyasnilo-pravila-dostupa-k-shkolnym-ukrytiyam-1.webp)

## Key Points

- Students and staff have priority access to shelters during classes.
- Shelters are available to the public outside of educational hours.
- The Cabinet of Ministers updated the rules by resolution on October 15, 2026.
- Kindergartens use shelters solely for children and personnel.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine has issued official clarifications regarding public access to protective structures in schools and kindergartens. According to the new regulations, during full-time educational sessions, students and staff of educational institutions have priority access to these shelters.

### New Regulations for Using Protective Structures

The Government of Ukraine, by its resolution of October 15, 2026, No. 1288, officially established updated requirements for the operation of shelters in educational facilities. The document clearly defines access procedures depending on the time of day and class schedules, ensuring the safety of children while they are at school.

### Availability of Shelters for Local Residents

Outside of educational hours, school shelters remain accessible to the public in accordance with procedures established by local authorities. Furthermore, legislation provides for the possibility of simultaneous sheltering of students and other citizens, provided they are accommodated in isolated rooms.

### Rules for Preschool Educational Institutions

A special regime is established for kindergartens and other preschool institutions, where protective structures are intended exclusively for children and staff. This provision is stipulated by the Law of Ukraine "On Preschool Education" and does not involve accommodating outside citizens.

### Infrastructure Readiness of Educational Institutions

According to relevant agencies, only 42 percent of Ukrainian schools are able to continue the educational process directly during air raids rather than just sheltering. Meanwhile, 87 percent of educational institutions are equipped with backup power sources that allow them to operate for more than eight hours.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Кто и когда может воспользоваться укрытием в школе: разъяснение МВД](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/hto-i-koli-mozhe-skoristatisya-ukrittyam-1792766298.html) - Official clarification from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine regarding the procedure for using shelters in educational institutions and the Cabinet resolution of October 15, 2026.

## FAQ

### Who has priority access to school shelters during classes?

During full-time learning, students and employees of the educational institution have priority access to protective structures.

### Can external citizens stay in a school shelter along with children?

Yes, by decision of local authorities, shelters can be used simultaneously, but students and the population must be placed in separate rooms.

### Do these rules apply to kindergartens?

No, shelters in preschool institutions are intended exclusively for the protection of children and staff according to the Law of Ukraine "On Preschool Education".