Kathrine Frich
Authorities warn that culture and education have become targets in efforts to undermine the country from within.
That concern has now focused attention on a little-known institution operating in the capital.
Clandestine classes
Ukraine’s Security Service has opened an investigation into a semi-legal school in Kyiv accused of promoting Russian influence, following an exposé by investigative outlet Slidstvo.info, TVPWorld reported.
The institution, described officially as a “family club,” is linked to the Moscow-affiliated Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Journalists said it operates without authorization and teaches children using Soviet-era textbooks.
According to the investigation, the school shows Russian films, teaches the Russian language as a “Slavic language,” and uses outdated materials for subjects including history.
How it operates
Slidstvo.info reported that more than 60 children, from grades I to IX, attend the school.
Although the pupils are formally enrolled in state-approved Ukrainian schools, they do not attend them in practice.
This arrangement allows the operation to function five days a week with a structured timetable and extracurricular activities.
Ukrainian media described the setup as “clandestine” because it bypasses official oversight.
The school is based in Kyiv and has no formal authorization to provide education.
Official reaction
On Wednesday, the Prosecutor General’s Office announced a preliminary investigation based on the journalists’ findings.
Deputy Prime Minister for humanitarian policy Tetiana Berezna urged caution, saying:
“We need to wait for the investigation by the Security Service of Ukraine to establish all the relevant facts, to understand the circumstances of the case, what happened in that place, who allowed this, to make a reasoned decision on the part of the state.”
She added: “If this happened, then such an impact on Ukrainian children, on the young Ukrainian generation, poses an enormous threat to our state, to the people of our state.”
Identity concerns
Education Ombudsman Nadia Leschik said the school’s activities could point to multiple legal violations, including ideological indoctrination and propaganda.
“Together with other authorities, we will investigate the circumstances of these potential violations, provide a legal assessment, and take appropriate response measures,” she wrote on Facebook.
“The presence of such an illegal school in the capital of Ukraine is a sign of the destruction of Ukrainian identity. Such methods are used by the enemy in the temporarily occupied territories,” Leschik added.
Sources: Slidstvo.info, TVPWorld, Digi24
