Number of underground schools for children to be increased in Kherson region

In the 2026-2027 school year, 14 underground schools are planned to be opened in Kherson region.

According to Oleksandr Tolokonnikov,deputy head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration, there are currently10 such educational institutions in the region.

According to him, the development of a network of underground schools is important to preserve the population in the region and support the local economy. The authorities will also provide transportation for students to such institutions.

"We all understand that for people to stay and work, even in relatively safe areas, they need their children to have the opportunity to study. Otherwise, families will move to other regions where children are already studying and where they are gradually building their lives," Tolokonnikov said.

At the same time, in the coastal settlements of Kherson region, as well as in Kherson itself, due to the security situation, education continues to take place remotely.

According to the official, this year there were more than 4,000 graduates in the region, including those from the temporarily occupied territories. Many children from the occupation also continue to study online under the Ukrainian program.

As a reminder, in 2025, three schools-shelters were officially completed and opened in Kherson region, and children continue to have to study remotely. More than UAH 200 million of budget funds were allocated for the construction of these facilities, but none of the institutions are actually functioning today.

In addition, radiation shelters for schools have not yet been built in Kherson. Almost 400 million hryvnias of EU funds were spent on the construction, and contractors received tens of millions for poor quality work.

Also, law enforcement officers have launched an investigation into corruption during the construction of shelters in Kherson region. In two years, 10 proceedings have been opened, three of which are already in court: contractors received funds for poor-quality shelters and overestimated the scope of work.

Андрій Колісніченко