Zelensky Visits School In Kyiv Region, Urges Partners To Respond More Actively To Russian Attacks

(MENAFN- UkrinForm) The head of state made the remarks after visiting a school in the Kyiv region to mark the start of the new school year, Ukrinform reports, citing the Office of the President of Ukraine.

Zelensky said that over the past two weeks, Russian forces had been striking infrastructure, including with the aim of disrupting the start of the school year. At the same time, he noted that most partners were on vacation and were effectively not responding to the ongoing Russian strikes.

"I believe that if there were international signals, then even on September 1... The Russians, apart from our Armed Forces, are also somewhat afraid when diplomacy speaks loudly. It is very unfortunate that some people are on vacation while others are fighting for their lives," he said.

Zelensky also said that Russia continued to attack Ukraine despite the start of the school year and was making children participants in the war.

"Even among any enemies, there is an understanding that children are children. But the Russians are making children participants in the war. They have done this, unfortunately, and will continue to do so until they are put in their place," he said.

Because of a Russian air attack, teachers had to conduct the first lessons in a shelter, including the nationwide lesson "The Language of Dignity: Seeing the Person Behind the Words" for first- through fourth-grade students. Zelensky joined the children in completing a quest and wished them a successful school year.

"I congratulate our first-graders on September 1 – they are absolutely brave – as well as their parents, all schoolchildren and our unbreakable state. It is very important that children went to school, and it is very important that so much has been prepared," Zelensky said.

He also thanked parents who, despite air raid alerts and Russian attacks, remain in Ukraine and work with teachers to ensure that children can continue their education at home, in Ukraine.

"I don't really like using the word 'socialization,' because when speaking to children, I want to say that they are making friends, that they are among their own, among equally cheerful and energetic children. It is good to see them talking to one another and having everything they need. Of course, we very much want these schools not to be built simply for the sake of construction. We want children to be able to use this infrastructure," Zelensky added.

Read also: About 240,000 children to start first grade in Ukraine, 10% fewer than last year

According to the Office of the President of Ukraine, Zelensky was also shown an exhibition featuring photographs of the school that Russian forces destroyed in March 2022. It was not restored until the fall of last year. In addition to a shelter, the school has been equipped with an independent power supply in case of outages, modern educational spaces and sports facilities, while its cafeteria has also been renovated. Meals are provided as part of a reform implemented under the patronage of First Lady Olena Zelenska, which provides free hot meals for all students. The president thanked the cafeteria staff and the school community for their work.

"Children should have everything. I am very glad that there is a modern kitchen and that the children have everything they need. What they don't have is the most important thing – peace. That's true. We will certainly do everything to make that happen," Zelensky said.

September 1 is celebrated in Ukraine as Knowledge Day.

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