The Verkhovna Rada has introduced mandatory training for students in national resistance
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has passed a law introducing mandatory and systematic training for citizens in national resistance within educational institutions.
The corresponding bill No. 13347 was approved in the second reading and as a whole by 263 members of parliament.
The adopted document provides for a strategic transition from outdated general military training to a modern system of teaching the basics of defense.
The program will be implemented in institutions of higher and pre-higher vocational education, covering students regardless of their gender.
The training process will begin as early as the third level of general secondary education.
In schools, vocational schools, and colleges, the updated course “Defense of Ukraine” and activities focused on military-patriotic education will form the basis of instruction.
For university and institute students, a special course—“Fundamentals of National Resistance”—will be introduced.
It will become a mandatory part of the curricula of all educational institutions, regardless of ownership (public or private).
The training will cover citizens pursuing associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. The program also applies to master’s students in medical, pharmaceutical, and veterinary fields, ensuring a broad base of trained personnel.
Cadets at specialized military educational institutions are not subject to this regulation. Separate specialized military training programs, developed in accordance with their professional activities, will continue to apply to them.
Responsibility for developing the programs rests with the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. Training will take place at specialized centers, ensuring a uniform standard of instruction and high-quality knowledge.
The draft law places particular emphasis on practical skills, specifically the use of small arms. Such training will be conducted on a regional basis at specially equipped training grounds of law enforcement agencies.
Training will take place at shooting ranges of Ukrainian Armed Forces units, university training centers, and certified shooting ranges.
The use of modern interactive simulators is also provided for, with strict adherence to safety rules when handling weapons.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is responsible for developing training programs for the instructors who will conduct the training.
This will ensure a professional level of instruction and the relevance of teaching materials for the civilian population.
As a reminder, the Verkhovna Rada ratified an agreement with the EIB for 230 million euros.
The Rada also passed a law on social protection for military personnel and their families.
