Ukraine’s parliament adopted a new law on Wednesday to revamp military education in schools and universities as the country braces for a prolonged war against Russia’s invasion.
The bill, numbered 13347, introduces a course called “Fundamentals of National Resistance” for university and college students and replaces existing basic military training.
Earlier mandatory training required all students aged 18 to 25 to complete a theoretical part, with males also completing a practical training module. Male students would have to be registered as conscripts after completing the training.
The new bill is “designed to replace the model of basic military training for students with a new approach that is integrated into the educational process and covers all levels of education – from secondary to higher,” according to the bill’s explanatory note.
Deputy Education Minister Mykola Trofymenko said in his Facebook update that the bill would help introduce “practical knowledge and skills” to higher education where “students receive useful, modern and feasible training,” such as “how to act in crisis situations, how to preserve life and health, how to provide first aid, [and] how to navigate security challenges.”
Trofymenko added that inclusive education is also considered, where students of all genders will participate, with potential alternatives “for students with special educational needs and those whose religious beliefs do not allow the use of weapons.”
Trofymenko also refuted claims that the new bill is part of the government’s initiative to mobilize students, saying it is “about training within the educational process.”
Under the new bill, specialized centers will also be set up to train citizens in national resistance, focusing on practical skills. Training will include shooting exercises at Ukrainian Armed Forces training grounds, certified ranges, and simulators.
The parliament noted that 263 lawmakers voted in support of the bill, which was formally adopted and awaits the president’s signature to become law.
The adoption of the new bill coincides with unnamed officials’ comments that Kyiv is bracing for another three years of war amid stalled peace talks with the US and Russia.