When roots cling to the soil: Intra-regional relocation of universities as a strategy for educational resilience in wartime

This article analyzes the cases of relocation of three Ukrainian universities within Zaporizhzhia Oblast following the onset of the full-scale war. Drawing on thematic analysis of interviews with university leadership, the study highlights how spatial decisions, local support networks, grassroots initiatives, and the preservation of institutional autonomy collectively shaped a unique model of regional repositioning—one that contrasts with the conventional logic of evacuation. The findings demonstrate that intra-regional relocation was not merely a logistical move but a form of symbolic resistance, institutional continuity, and humanitarian integration. The article highlights the significance of acknowledging decentralized adaptation practices, reaffirms the university's role as a platform for social cohesion, and introduces the concept of "flexible regional relocation" as a potentially universal framework for higher education systems in crisis settings.