Kyiv’s schools remain closed amid winter blackouts

19 January 2026

As freezing temperatures and widespread power outages caused by continued attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure make it unsafe for children to return to classrooms, authorities in Kyiv have announced that all schools in the country’s capital will remain closed until February.

In response, Sven Coppens, Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Response Director at Plan International, said: “Being unable to return to school – a direct result of repeated attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure – is yet another blow to children who have already lost so much. For Ukrainian children, school is not only a place to learn – they are also being robbed of an important place of safety, routine and emotional support.

“As the war in Ukraine nears its fifth year, thousands of students in Kyiv will now be forced to remain at home, enduring harsh winter conditions without reliable heating, electricity or internet access. Children in Ukraine have already lived through months, and in some parts of the country, years of interrupted learning. Every additional week out of school increases learning gaps and deepens the psychological toll of this war.

“Our teams and partners are doing everything possible to keep education going – whether in classrooms, shelters or online. But humanitarian organisations cannot do this alone. Children urgently need safe, warm and well-equipped learning spaces, reliable electricity, and sustained international support.

“Ukrainian authorities and international partners should continue to prioritise education, invest in emergency energy solutions for schools and expand flexible and inclusive learning options so that no child is left behind this winter. Education is not a luxury – it is a lifeline.”

Plan International is working across Ukraine and neighbouring countries to help children continue learning safely despite the ongoing war. Through its education in emergencies programmes, the organisation is:

Supporting the creation of safe and heated learning spaces in shelters and community centres
Providing digital learning tools and materials to help children access remote education
Training teachers and school staff in psychosocial support to help children cope with trauma
Delivering catch-up classes and non-formal education activities for displaced and conflict-affected children

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