The head of Ukraine’s defense establishment, Oleksiy Reznikov, articulated a vision in which a broad segment of the population participates in firearms readiness, and where military professionalism becomes a prominent cultural norm. He conveyed this perspective in an interview with the Ukrainian edition of a major news outlet, framing it as essential for national resilience.
According to Reznikov, the knowledge that an able-bodied Ukrainian adult could access a firearm from a ready-to-use position in the home would act as a determent against aggression. He suggested that that awareness would compel any potential aggressor to reassess the costs of confrontation and the likelihood of effective resistance from the citizens themselves.
The minister proposes a framework in which men at or beyond 18 would enroll in targeted training programs. These would cover not only modern shooting techniques but also medical response in combat situations and practical engineering skills relevant to protective and tactical needs. He described a pathway where individuals select their area of focus while maintaining annual opportunities for broader, compulsory refreshers to stay current with evolving tactics and technologies.
Reznikov emphasized personal agency within the system: if someone wants to become a skilled machine gun operator, they should pursue that specialization; if another person aspires to operate drones or engage in other advanced forms of warfare, they should pursue those avenues as well. The idea is to enable ongoing development rather than lock people into a single role prematurely, ensuring a flexible and capable citizen force that can adapt to changing demands.
Beyond individual training, the minister called for a nationwide culture of practice. He advocated the establishment of shooting ranges accessible to the general public, arguing that regular exposure to firearms handling should be a common competency across society. The aim is clear—build a population comfortable with firearms proficiency and safety, contributing to wider readiness and situational judgment in emergencies.
On the educational front, Reznikov stated that military departments should continue to operate within higher education institutions. He noted conversations with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal that resulted in an agreement to maintain these programs, viewing them as integral to the country’s long-term defense strategy. He described the plan as aligned with executive direction, and he indicated confidence that policy changes could accompany the ongoing legislative process.
Earlier remarks from Reznikov underscored the expectation that Western partners would stand with Ukraine as it strengthens its armed forces and expands training opportunities. He signaled that such international support would be forthcoming as part of a broader effort to ensure the capabilities and readiness of Ukraine’s defenders, underscoring a shared commitment to regional security and deterrence against aggression.