Zelenskyy signs law overhaul of citizen national resistance training

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has signed a new law aimed at reforming how civilians are prepared for national resistance, according to the country’s parliament website.

The legislation introduces a revised model of basic military training, replacing the current system for students with an integrated approach embedded across all levels of education, from secondary schools to universities, Caliber.Az reports. 

Under the new framework, a new subject titled “Fundamentals of National Resistance” will be introduced in educational institutions. At the same time, the existing “Defence of Ukraine” course will be updated and expanded.

The law also provides for the creation of specialised training centres designed to conduct practical instruction in national resistance. These centres will organise exercises, including firearms training at Ukrainian Armed Forces ranges, certified shooting facilities, and modern interactive simulators.

It includes provisions allowing individuals whose religious beliefs prohibit the use of weapons to replace firearms-related modules with alternative training components. People with disabilities or those unable to work may also be exempt from practical training.

According to the legislation, authorities will be responsible for organising and implementing the training system nationwide, including coordination and resource allocation.

The reform is intended to strengthen defence preparedness, improve the efficiency of citizen training under martial law conditions, and reduce pressure on the state budget by better integrating existing administrative resources.

By Sabina Mammadli