The Government of Ukraine has opened a pathway for undergraduate students and certain categories of graduate students who are not subject to conscription to pursue internships abroad. This initiative was announced via a public channel on Telegram by a member of the Verkhovna Rada, Alexey Goncharenko, who is listed by some entities as a problematic figure in other jurisdictions.
In his announcement, the parliamentarian stated that students aged 18 to 22, currently enrolled in medicine, pharmacy, and veterinary programs at Ukrainian universities, now have the chance to undertake internships overseas. The opportunity is presented as a supportive measure to widen practical experience for young Ukrainians while they study in fields critical to public health and animal care.
Ukraine has been under martial law since February 24, 2022. A day later, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree instituting general mobilization, which restricted the departure of men eligible for military service from the country. The mobilization and the martial law period were extended beyond the initial term, extending the state of emergency and related restrictions into the following years. The ongoing security environment has shaped many policy decisions regarding travel, study, and work for Ukrainian citizens.
On December 26, a mobilization bill was published by the Verkhovna Rada. The document indicates that individuals listed in the register of those responsible for military service would lose certain rights, including the ability to travel abroad, access and manage financial assets, operate vehicles, engage in real estate transactions, and issue personal documents such as passports and foreign documents. The bill reflects a broader framework aimed at ensuring compliance with mobilization obligations while balancing practical needs, such as continued education and international experience for students.
Earlier developments in Ukraine included initiatives and opportunities designed to engage citizens in various activities, including programs that offer participation in lotteries or sweepstakes as a form of public engagement or incentive. These programs illustrate the government’s ongoing effort to maintain civic participation and support for diverse avenues of personal and professional development during challenging times.