Mykolaiv Strengthens Security in Schools Amid Ongoing Mining Threats

In Mykolaiv, due to numerous reports of mining of schools and kindergartens, local authorities have decided to strengthen security measures in educational institutions. In particular, it is planned to engage security police officers who will be able to quickly check the premises for danger and allow classes to continue if the threat is not confirmed.

The decision was considered at a meeting of the Standing Committee on Health and Social Protection of the Mykolaiv City Council.

According to the head of the education department, Hanna Lychko, since mid-January, reports of mining have been received almost daily, and the police are physically unable to handle all calls.

The city authorities have initiated an appeal to the central government to amend the joint order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Education and Science on evacuation procedures in case of a threat of attack. The amendments will allow special services to independently inspect educational institutions and make decisions on the safe continuation of education.

In addition, the Mykolaiv City Council proposes amendments to the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of November 1, 2024, on the implementation of a pilot project on security in educational institutions during martial law. The initiative provides for the presence of police officers in schools and kindergartens in the city. It is also planned to give them the right to inspect the premises in case of a mining threat.

Law enforcement work should be funded from the state budget. The draft decision was supported by the commission, and the final decision will be made by the deputies at the city council session.

Training of educational security officers in Mykolaiv began in January 2024. The project is aimed at ensuring the safety of children during full-scale Russian aggression and focuses on schools located near the front line and where full-time and mixed education is organized.

And in early February 2025, it was decided to create special commissions to check the possibility of arranging shelters in out-of-school institutions in the city. The purpose of the inspections is to determine whether these premises meet the requirements for use as shelters.

Mykolaiv's educational system has been operating under martial law for three years now, providing education to children. To improve safety in educational institutions, 53 shelters have already been repaired - 22 in kindergartens and 31 in schools, and work is underway to equip shelters in 26 other institutions.

Анна Бальчінос