National Resistance: a pilot project for students will soon be launched, and civil servants must also undergo training
Kyiv • UNN
Universities are introducing mandatory resistance training for all genders. Theoretical training starts in October, and practical training in January 2027.
The national resistance training program for higher education students is set to begin this academic year: the theoretical part in October, and practical classes in January 2027. Civil servants are also expected to undergo national resistance training. This was discussed during a meeting between the Head of the Presidential Office, Kyrylo Budanov, and the heads of regional military administrations, government officials, and representatives of the Defense Forces regarding the implementation and funding of the national resistance training program for the population, as reported by UNN.
Details
As reported by the Presidential Office, the national resistance training program for the population includes training for children within the subject "Defense of Ukraine," as well as for students and civilians not subject to mobilization.
Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Viktor Mykyta reported that 23 regional national resistance centers and 33 branches have already been established. Their operation is covered by regional and local budgets. Over 55% of the instructors and staff at these centers are veterans.
"In total, 32,662 people underwent training in Ukraine during 2025–2026. The best results were demonstrated by Kyiv Oblast (6960), Zakarpattia Oblast (4698), Kharkiv Oblast (3056), Zaporizhzhia Oblast (1965), and Kyiv (1943)," Viktor Mykyta noted.
Minister of Education Oksen Lisovyi remarked that 963 centers for studying the discipline "Defense of Ukraine" have been established to date. These are specially equipped premises in educational institutions where veterans and specialists who have undergone relevant training work.
"406 thousand students are undergoing training in these centers. This accounts for 65% of all high school students in Ukraine. This year, half a billion [hryvnias] have been allocated for opening additional premises. This will allow us to create another 160 centers and cover up to 80% of high school students," he added.
The Presidential Office added that the national resistance training program for higher education students is set to begin this academic year: the theoretical part in October, and practical classes in January 2027. Civil servants are also expected to undergo national resistance training.
"In universities, the basics of national resistance are becoming a mandatory discipline. Moreover, for the first time, both men and women must study it," said Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Iryna Vereshchuk.
Among the problematic issues of the program is the organization of training in frontline regions. The possibility of organizing training for schoolchildren and students in national resistance centers in safer regions is being considered.
"Let's start this process, and students from frontline regions will undergo training in training centers in other regions. We will see where the problems are, how best to organize it – and we will refine it. Prepare a final program: who should be sent where, what is the training schedule," Budanov emphasized.
During the meeting, an agreement was reached to launch a pilot project for higher education students from Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts, who will undergo training in Kyiv Oblast and Zakarpattia Oblast within a month.
National resistance training centers offer courses up to seven weeks long. The program includes, among other things, medical aid, mine and explosive safety training, work with small arms, drones and FPV simulators, study of communication systems, topography, and survival skills in difficult conditions.