More than 200 parents of students from the French high school in Moscow have called on the French authorities, judging that the recall of teachers - a direct consequence of the conflict in Ukraine - put their children's education "in danger".

“We understand that the political situation (…) is particularly critical.

However, since there is no security risk for people residing in Moscow, we ask you to reconsider your decision to interrupt the teaching process,” write the 261 signatories.

Letters were sent to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian, to Brigitte Macron, the wife of the French president and former teacher, the French ambassador and to the deputy of French people living abroad Anne Genetet.

Jean-Yves Le Drian replied that the French authorities had decided to postpone the start of the school year for 15 days until the beginning of April, when a “reassessment” of the measures taken according to the situation is planned.

Distance learning from March 15

"The French school in Moscow is not closing and the objective is to be able to resume classes, face-to-face, from April 1," the minister said in a letter.

The principal of the French Lycée, Nicolas Ruellan, announced on March 8 in a very brief email that all French staff were leaving Russia and the establishment of “distance teaching continuity from March 15”.

Previously, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had "recommended to French nationals, whose presence and that of their families was not essential in Russia, to leave the country as long as this is still possible", arguing the scarcity of air links from made Western sanctions.

While many French expatriates have left the country since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, hundreds of others are still there, and many are not French: the French school in Moscow normally welcomes 1,200 students of 41 nationalities, according to its site.

The parents of students had noted that there "remain teachers in Moscow and that some are ready to return to resume lessons".

"We urge you to allow our 800 children to complete the school year and take their diplomas face-to-face," they asked.

World

War in Ukraine: "It's extremely complex to say 'I'm leaving and I'm leaving everything'"… French expats hope to stay in Russia

Strasbourg

War in Ukraine: “People there are suffering from the situation”… Back in France, three students tell of their experience in Russia

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