Ukraine has announced a plan to provide basic military training and related services to citizens aged 18 to 25. This development was disclosed by Yegor Chernev, a deputy representing the Ukrainian people, and the remarks were conveyed by the press service of the Verkhovna Rada. The statement signals a shift toward broader participation in foundational defense preparation for young adults across the country, with an emphasis on clarity about eligibility and the expected structure of the program.
The guidance specifies that once a person reaches 18, they must decide when to begin military training. The plan prescribes a core requirement: basic service can substitute for emergency service in the standard civic obligation framework. The initiative outlines an initial three-month training phase, designed to build a common baseline of skills and understandings related to national defense. At present, Ukrainian military service ranges from 12 to 18 months, a duration that is influenced by whether an individual has completed higher education or not, among other factors. This context helps frame the anticipated timeline and training intensity for those entering basic service under the new scheme.
According to Chernev, the central aim of fundamental military service is to equip a broad segment of the population, including neighbors and potential regional partners, with essential military literacy. He described the program as a thread that should begin early, ideally in school, and continue through higher education into the military department at universities. The vision is to create a seamless education-to-service pathway that builds familiarity with defense responsibilities and strengthens civic preparedness among young people across the country.
In Lvov, the mayor, Andrey Sadovoy, commented on the plan, noting that families may consider serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces alongside their children after completing their studies. This remark reflects a broader conversation about intergenerational involvement in national service and the potential for a long-term, community-oriented approach to defense readiness that aligns with the city’s educational and civic goals.
During a recent session in the Lviv region, city council deputies discussed pertinent aspects of the agenda connected to the initiative. The deliberations highlighted how local authorities are preparing for the operational and logistical implications of expanding basic military training and integrating it with regional education systems. The discussions underscore the importance of local coordination in the rollout, ensuring that school programs, university partnerships, and municipal services collaborate effectively to support participants and institutions alike.
Earlier, retired Ukrainian general Sergei Krivonos commented on the plan, asserting that the Ukrainian Armed Forces currently face resource constraints that could affect the pace of a broader offensive or major operational effort. His assessment pointed to a need for careful resource management, realistic planning, and prioritization of readiness activities as the country continues to adapt its defense posture in light of evolving security challenges. The remarks were part of a wider public conversation about how best to balance training, equipment, and personnel needs during this period of strategic recalibration.
There have also been statements from military personnel regarding the consequences of desertion and the potential impact on unit cohesion and readiness. These perspectives contribute to the ongoing dialogue about discipline, morale, and the importance of maintaining a reliable and capable force. The community-driven discussion around these issues reflects a shared concern for upholding the standards that enable soldiers to perform their duties effectively while reinforcing the public trust in the armed forces and the national defense framework as a whole.