Russia Shuts Down Schools in Occupied Luhansk Region, Repurposing Buildings for Military Use

Russian forces in the temporarily occupied areas of Ukraine’s Luhansk region have begun closing and merging schools due to a declining student population and a shortage of teachers.

Abandoned school buildings are being repurposed for military use, according to the National Resistance Center (NRC) on February 8.

The process is part of a broader Russian initiative, described as a “national project,” which involves consolidating schools with low student enrollment and, in some cases, merging them with kindergartens to justify their continued operation.

The NRC reports that the number of children in the occupied region has significantly decreased, contributing to the closure of multiple schools.

The reduction in educational facilities is occurring amid broader demographic shifts, with a growing number of people leaving the region. The NRC highlights that, despite official Russian narratives promoting stability, the closures reflect the realities on the ground, including a declining population and an ongoing teacher shortage.

In addition to logistical challenges, many parents in the occupied region are reportedly reluctant to send their children to schools where the curriculum follows Russian propaganda narratives. The lack of qualified teachers further complicates the situation, making it difficult to maintain regular educational processes.

The NRC also notes that as school closures continue, abandoned buildings are being reassigned to Russian military units. The move aligns with previous reports of Russian authorities repurposing civilian infrastructure in temporarily occupied areas for military needs.

Earlier, Russian forces in the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia region organized a fundraiser in a local school, collecting money from parents under coercion while students were instructed to create messages for Russian troops. According to the National Resistance Center, the initiative, overseen by the occupation administration, was both an attempt to simulate public support and a means of indoctrinating children.