Kindergarten in Kyiv Plunges to Near-Freezing +2°C: Who Is Accountable?.

Crisis at Kindergarten No. 691

According to TSN.ua: Parents of children at Kindergarten No. 691 in Kyiv's Dnipro district are raising the alarm after indoor temperatures dropped to a frigid +2°C. They report critical conditions, including a complete lack of heating and issues with food provision. Due to the dangerously low temperatures, the children have been relocated to Preschool No. 566 at 5A Vsevolod Nestayko Street. This incident highlights the ongoing strain on Ukraine's public services amid broader infrastructural challenges.

As of February 6, 2026, Kyiv operates 515 kindergartens serving 25,000 children. Official data indicates that 314 facilities, or 61%, are equipped with backup generators. However, regulations mandate that any institution where temperatures fall outside the required range of +19–23°C must suspend operations.

Official Response and Responsibility

Natalia Ivanina, a local government representative, stated that the situation at Kindergarten No. 691 is directly linked to the critical state of the energy system. She added that any decision to suspend operations due to emergencies is made in accordance with the Law 'On Preschool Education'.

Ilya Pasko emphasized that procuring equipment to ensure heating is the direct responsibility of the district state administration.

Concerns extend beyond the cold. Reports indicate children are receiving pre-packaged 'dry rations' due to a shortage of hot meals, compounding risks to their health and well-being. The combination of freezing conditions and inadequate nutrition jeopardizes the safe environment necessary for learning and development. Determining accountability for this failure remains a point of contention among both parents and authorities.

This case underscores the vital importance of resilient infrastructure for educational institutions, especially during crises. The absence of heating and proper nutrition can have severe consequences for children's health, making it imperative for officials to take urgent corrective action. Parents and the community await clear solutions and action plans from the local administration to restore safe and comfortable conditions for the children.