Ensuring the safety of children in educational institutions during martial law is an unconditional priority for the state. The implementation of such projects requires not only funding but also strict adherence to legislative requirements, professional oversight, and personal responsibility of officials.

Under the procedural guidance of juvenile prosecutors of the Cherkasy Regional Prosecutor's Office, on January 12, 2026, a suspicion was announced against the head of one of the departments of education, youth, and sports in Cherkasy region. His actions were qualified under part 2 of Article 367 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (official negligence).

According to the investigation, in 2023, the official entered into a contract with a private enterprise for the supply of a protective fortification structure - the simplest civil protection shelter for one of the educational institutions in the region. At the same time, he failed to ensure key mandatory stages of project implementation, namely: he did not engage a design organization, did not conclude a construction contract, and did not organize authorial and technical supervision over the execution of works.

The lack of proper oversight made it impossible to verify compliance with legal requirements during the construction of the shelter, which, according to the investigation's conclusions, led to losses to the state amounting to 5.6 million hryvnias.

The pre-trial investigation is being conducted by investigators of the investigative department of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Cherkasy region under the procedural support of the Security Service of Ukraine in Cherkasy region.

If the official's guilt is proven, he faces imprisonment for up to five years, with deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in relevant activities for up to three years, as well as a fine within the limits defined by law.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing.

Note: According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and cannot be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in a lawful manner and established by a court verdict.