KEY TAKEAWAYS

• More than 1.1 million Ukrainian school textbooks have been destroyed by Russian attacks since the start of the full-scale invasion.
• The losses have affected schools, warehouses, printing facilities, and educational logistics centers.
• Authorities are working to reprint damaged textbooks before the new academic year.
• The destruction adds to broader challenges facing Ukraine’s education system during the war.

Russia’s full-scale invasion has destroyed more than 1.1 million Ukrainian school textbooks, creating additional challenges for the country’s education system ahead of the new academic year. Ukrainian officials say the losses extend beyond damaged school buildings, affecting textbook warehouses, printing facilities, and distribution networks needed to supply millions of students.

Education Infrastructure Suffers Heavy Losses

According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Education and Science, Russian attacks have destroyed or damaged more than 1.1 million textbooks stored in schools, warehouses, and logistics facilities.

Many of the losses occurred during missile and drone strikes targeting civilian infrastructure, leaving educational institutions without materials needed for classroom instruction.

Race to Replace Destroyed Books

The government has launched an accelerated reprinting program to ensure pupils receive textbooks before the start of the school year.

Publishers and printing companies are working with education authorities to replace destroyed materials, although officials acknowledge that logistics remain difficult because of continued attacks on infrastructure.

War’s Lasting Impact on Education

Beyond the destruction of school buildings, the loss of educational materials highlights another consequence of the war for Ukrainian children.

Teachers in affected communities often rely on digital resources, shared textbooks, or temporary learning materials while replacement copies are being printed and delivered.

Supporting Students Despite the War

Ukraine continues rebuilding damaged schools and expanding digital education tools while restoring access to printed learning materials.

Education officials say ensuring children have textbooks remains essential to maintaining educational continuity despite the ongoing war and repeated attacks on civilian infrastructure.