The mayor of Odessa addressed students and educators on the occasion of September 1:

"September 1 is always a significant day. A day when millions of children return to their studies, open new notebooks, and embark on a new chapter of their lives. Even in the toughest times, this tradition continues. I want to express my deep respect for our teachers. You are true heroes. You conduct lessons amid sirens, in shelters, online, often under difficult circumstances. Yet, you continue to teach. Because you know: knowledge is our future. You are shaping the generation that will rebuild Ukraine. I take pride in our children. You show incredible strength - learning despite everything. You open textbooks during alarms, adapt to online classes, study in shelters, and continue lessons in classrooms after the all-clear. You prove to us all that Ukrainian children cannot be frightened or broken. Today, I congratulate all residents of Odessa on Knowledge Day. I wish inspiration, wisdom, and strength to teachers, patience and support to parents, and a thirst for knowledge and self-belief to our children. Together, we hold the future in our hands. And together, we bring closer the day when every school will operate under peaceful skies," said Gennadiy Trukhanov.