Ukraine Prepares Students For War

• 16.09.2025, 17:41

The country's authorities plan to train between 80,000 and 200,000 people.

On 1 September, Ukrainian universities started mandatory military training for students. The program concerns men aged 18-22 and includes 90 hours of theoretical classes and 210 hours of practical training in specialized centers. A total of 80 to 200 thousand people will take part in it, writes CEPA (translation - website Charter97.org).

Young Ukrainians learn the basics of military service, first aid and tactical skills. Upon completion of the course, students swear allegiance to the country and receive a certificate that exempts them from compulsory service until age 25, while retaining the option of voluntary enlistment. Women, who make up nearly half of the students, are required to complete the theoretical part and can voluntarily join the practical training.

The government hopes the combination of military training and the right to travel abroad will help deter young men from emigrating. Previously, men between the ages of 18 and 60 were banned from leaving the country, but now students aged 18-22 are free to leave and return.

With this background, Russia continues the systematic militarization of education. There, children are accustomed to military discipline from an early age: schoolchildren march, throw training grenades, assemble assault rifles and listen to lectures about the war in Ukraine. At universities, students participate in "heroic assemblies," write letters to soldiers and perform compulsory work for the army.

Ukraine relies on preparing citizens to defend the country, preserving their freedom of choice, while Russia turns children and students into a tool for propaganda and future wars.