A training program on national resistance for students at institutions of higher education is set to begin this academic year: the theoretical component will start in October, and practical training in January 2027; civil servants are also required to undergo this training. It was announced in a statement by the Office of the President, as the Ukrainian News agency reported.
In particular, it is reported that the Head of the Office of the President, Kyrylo Budanov, held a meeting with heads of regional state administrations, government officials, and representatives of the Defense Forces regarding the implementation and financing of the program to prepare the population for national resistance. This program provides for the training of children as part of the subject "Defense of Ukraine," as well as students and civilians who are not subject to mobilization.
Deputy Head of the President’s Office Viktor Mykyta reported that 23 regional centers for national resistance and 33 branches have already been established; their operations are funded by regional and local budgets, and over 55% of the instructors and staff at these centers are veterans.
According to Mykyta, a total of 32,662 people underwent national resistance training in Ukraine during 2025–2026, with the highest numbers recorded in the Kyiv Region (6,960), Zakarpattia Region (4,698), Kharkiv Region (3,056), Zaporizhzhia Region (1,965), and Kyiv (1,943).
Education Minister Oksen Lisovyi reported that 963 centers for studying the subject “Defense of Ukraine” have been established to date; these are specially equipped facilities within educational institutions staffed by veterans and specialists who have undergone relevant training.
According to the minister, 406,000 students are currently enrolled in these centers — that is 65% of all high school students in Ukraine. This year, half a billion hryvnias has been allocated to open additional facilities, which will make it possible to create another 160 centers and reach up to 80% of high school students.
It is noted that the fundamentals of national resistance are becoming a mandatory subject at universities; for the first time, both men and women are required to study it.
Among the program’s challenges is organizing training in frontline regions; the possibility of training schoolchildren and students at national resistance centers in safer regions is being considered.
During the meeting, it was agreed to launch a pilot project for students of higher education institutions in the Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia Regions, who will undergo training in the Kyiv and Zakarpattia Regions as early as next month.
National resistance training centers offer courses lasting up to four weeks. The program includes, in particular, medical aid, training in mine and explosive safety, work with small arms, drones, and FPV simulators, as well as the study of communication systems, topography, and survival skills in challenging conditions.
As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, on March 25, the Verkhovna Rada introduced the course “Fundamentals of National Resistance” in higher education institutions to replace basic general military training. Studying “Fundamentals of National Resistance” will not result in obtaining a military registration specialty or acquiring the status of a person subject to military service.
The Verkhovna Rada also banned the hiring of men who have not completed military service or military training for government service.
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