No basic military training for students - Zelenskyy signed a law on studying the basics of national resistance in universities and colleges
Kyiv • UNN
The discipline "Fundamentals of National Resistance" is being introduced in universities and colleges for all students. The training includes working with weapons and medicine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a law on specific issues of preparing citizens for national resistance (registration No. 13347), which provides for university and vocational college students to study "Fundamentals of National Resistance," the parliament's website reports, writes UNN.
Details
The document introduces a new training model that is integrated into the educational process at all levels - from secondary to higher education.
The changes include the introduction of the discipline "Fundamentals of National Resistance," the creation of special training centers, and regulate the use of firearms for practical exercises.
As noted by the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Education and Science, the law replaces the basic general military training of students, which involved obtaining a military registration specialty, with systematic training for national resistance.
New training architecture
In general secondary and vocational education institutions, the subject "Defense of Ukraine" will continue to be taught and improved. In vocational pre-higher and higher education institutions, the mandatory discipline "Fundamentals of National Resistance" is being introduced – flexible, modern, adapted to current conditions, with the involvement of professional instructors with combat experience and appropriate material and technical base, the Ministry of Defense reported.
Practical training, including acquiring skills in handling small arms, will be carried out:
- at the training grounds of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
- at shooting ranges;
- in shooting galleries;
- on interactive simulators.
The law extends preparation for national resistance to students of higher and vocational pre-higher education regardless of gender.
For individuals whose religious beliefs preclude the use of weapons, the replacement of relevant modules is provided; individuals with disabilities or those who have lost their capacity for work are exempt from practical classes.
According to the Ministry of Education and Science, previously, BZVP (Basic General Military Training) was included in educational programs as a separate academic discipline with a volume of 10 ECTS credits, of which 3 credits were theoretical training conducted by the educational institution, and another 7 credits were practical training in higher military educational institutions, military training units and centers, and at training grounds. For higher education students, the theoretical component of BZVP is taught in the second year of study. As of March 2026, over 71,000 higher education students, including about 3,000 female students who voluntarily joined BZVP, were studying the theoretical component of BZVP. Approximately 47,000 students in 230 higher education institutions have already completed the theoretical training of BZVP, with the remaining institutions completing the teaching of the discipline by May 2026.
Decentralization of implementation
To conduct practical classes throughout the country, as indicated by the Ministry of Defense, the law regulates the creation of a network of Centers for the preparation of citizens for national resistance – communal organizations that will be financed from local budgets and involve communities in increasing the state's defense capabilities.
At the level of local state administrations, the position of deputy head for defense issues is being introduced – a serviceman seconded in the manner determined by law.
"The next step is to develop, together with the Ministry of Defense, a typical educational program and teaching materials that will help educational institutions teach this discipline with clear practical content. This includes basic security skills: understanding modern challenges, actions in crisis situations, preserving life and health, and the basics of pre-medical care. At a time when the country is defending its independence, such knowledge must be accessible to all students," said Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Oksen Lisovyi regarding the adoption of the law.
The study of the fundamentals of national resistance, as noted by the Ministry of Education and Science, will not involve students taking a Military Oath, undergoing a medical examination, appearing at the TCC and SP (Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centers), being at the training grounds of defense forces, obtaining a military registration specialty, and acquiring the status of a conscript, and will also contribute to ensuring the level of safety of participants in the educational process in educational institutions. The typical educational program of the discipline "Fundamentals of National Resistance" for vocational pre-higher and higher education institutions will be approved by the Ministry of Education and Science in agreement with the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
"With this decision, we are closing an issue that has long required a clear and modern format. Students should receive useful training that will help them in life. This refers to skills that young people need right now: acting collectedly, understanding basic safety algorithms and life preservation, being able to provide pre-medical care, etc. Universities and vocational colleges should provide not only professional knowledge but also the ability to act responsibly in the face of modern risks and dangers," said Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Mykola Trofymenko.