In a new development reflecting the severity of the humanitarian and service crisis gripping the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko announced on Friday the complete closure of all schools in the city until the beginning of next month. This forced decision comes as a result of the harsh conditions imposed by the ongoing and intensified Russian strikes on energy infrastructure, making it virtually impossible to continue the educational process without heating and electricity.
Details of school closures and austerity measures
Klitschko explained via his official Telegram channel that the lockdown would take effect on January 19 and last until February 1. The measures weren't limited to schools; authorities in the capital also announced a package of energy rationing measures, including reducing street lighting to a minimum, in an effort to conserve electricity for essential facilities like hospitals and homes, amidst a harsh winter that exacerbates the suffering of residents.
Targeting infrastructure: A harsh winter strategy
This action is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a broader context of the years-long war. Russian forces have consistently targeted power plants and electricity distribution networks in Ukraine, particularly during the winter months. This military tactic aims to pressure the Ukrainian leadership and weaken the morale of the population by depriving them of basic necessities such as electricity, heating, and water, thus turning winter into an effective weapon of war.
Political warnings from the Kremlin
In conjunction with the escalation on the ground and the targeting of energy infrastructure, the Kremlin issued sharp political messages. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned on Thursday that the window for negotiations to end the war was rapidly closing. Speaking to reporters, Peskov indicated that the situation on the ground was deteriorating daily for the Kyiv regime, urging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to take a decisive stance and seriously address the new reality before it was too late.
Humanitarian and educational repercussions
The closure of schools represents a severe blow to the educational process in Ukraine, which has already suffered immense disruption since the outbreak of war nearly four years ago. The repeated switching between in-person and remote learning, followed by complete closures, is taking a heavy toll on students' academic performance and mental health. This decision also leaves working families struggling to care for their children amidst the disruption of essential services, exacerbating the economic and social burdens on civilians who are bearing the brunt of this ongoing conflict.
