Russian schools have increased the number of military training classes by 2.5 times

Russian schools have significantly increased the amount of mandatory basic military training. Starting in the new school year, half of the time allocated to the “Fundamentals of Security and Homeland Defense” course will be devoted to this training—a total of 68 hours over four years.

Previously, military training accounted for 20% of the class time for this subject. As of September 1, the course has become the only mandatory component of the school curriculum alongside subjects related to life safety.

Russian Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov announced the increase in class hours. According to him, the program covers preparing students for potential military service and knowledge related to national defense.

Students in grades 8–11 will study the fundamentals of national security, drill training, military regulations, and discipline. They will also be taught civil defense, the use of protective equipment, evacuation procedures, and first aid.

Some classes will focus on countering extremism and terrorism. In addition, the program includes instruction on drones and the conduct of training exercises. Previously, the Russian Ministry of Education also announced practical training sessions involving the use of firearms.

Source: Sergey Kravtsov, Russian Ministry of Education.

It is worth recalling that Zelenskyy effectively proposed to the Kremlin leader that they hold a face-to-face meeting specifically during the “Group of Twenty” summit in December 2026.

U.S. President Donald Trump has not yet decided whether to invite Russia to the G20 summit, which will take place on December 14–15, 2026, in Miami.