Kharkiv Schools Witness Enrollment Rise Despite Ongoing Conflict

Despite continued Russian attacks, the number of children attending schools in Kharkiv has been steadily increasing, with 95,000 students currently enrolled, according to Olga Demianenko, Director of the Department of Education of the Kharkiv City Council. Of these students, 54,000 attend schools within the city limits.

Displacement and Return to Education

Demianenko noted that while some areas of the Kharkiv region have experienced a decrease in student numbers due to ongoing fighting, others are seeing an increase. Specifically, districts like Osnovyansky, Slobodsky and Novobavarsky have approximately 60% of their schoolchildren attending classes in Kharkiv. Currently, over 15,000 displaced school-age children are in the city, with 3,500 integrated into Kharkiv’s school system.

Infrastructure and Safety Measures

Efforts to ensure student safety continue, with the construction of underground schools and shelters in schools across the Kharkiv region. As of March 19, 2026, 17 underground schools have been completed, with plans to finish another 17 by September 1st. These facilities aim to accommodate approximately 90,000 students in offline or blended learning formats, according to Oleg Sinegubov, Head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration.

Recent Developments in the Region

• Security Situation: The front line in the Kharkiv region remains stable due to the efforts of the Ukrainian military. Fortification construction is ongoing, and a sustainability plan approved by the National Security and Defense Council is being implemented.
• Russian Attacks: Over the past 24 hours, Russian forces have shelled Kharkiv and nine settlements in the region, resulting in one death and five injuries. Attacks involved UAVs, including Shahed-136 (“Geran-2”) types, Molniya, and FPV drones.
• Rabies Alert: A case of rabies was recorded in the city of Dergachi after a cat attacked a resident and their dog. A quarantine has been declared in the city.
• Economic News: Early vegetables are appearing in Kharkiv markets, with prices for cabbage, potatoes, radishes, and tomatoes 10-20% higher than in March 2025.
• Security Breach: The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) detained an agent accused of working for both Russian and Belarusian intelligence services, allegedly leaking data about Ukrainian drone operations.

Olga Demianenko: A Leader in Kharkiv Education

Olga Ivanovna Demenko has led the Department of Education of the Kharkiv City Council for over fifteen years, navigating numerous challenges, particularly during the ongoing war. She is a candidate of legal sciences and an associate professor at Kharkiv National University of Economics. Her initiatives include the establishment of the first metro-school in Ukraine and ensuring that all schools have access to shelters. Currently, she is focused on inclusive education, psychological support for students, and modernization of the education system.

Source: NewsUkraine.com.ua