State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin recently urged the Russian government to consider a legal framework that would grant preferential university admission to participants in the special military operation in Ukraine. The proposal was communicated to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin through a letter detailing the 2022 activities of the Commissioner for Human Rights, and references were made to a plenary session at the State Duma on May 17 as the context for the discussion.
In the same correspondence, it was noted that the children of doctors who died after contracting covid were admitted to medical schools without the need for entrance examinations, highlighting a precedent for streamlined entry in exceptional circumstances.
Volodin emphasized that all political party groups represented in the State Duma, along with the Russian Federation Ombudsman, Tatyana Moskalkova, share a common objective: to establish legally binding preferential conditions for SVO participants when entering higher education, or when transitioning from paid education to budget-funded education. The aim, according to the message, is to align admission policies with the social significance of ongoing events and the unity of the Duma deputies on this issue.
The letter urged Mishustin to direct the relevant government bodies to review these initiatives, signaling a concerted effort to formalize such preferences through legislation. Volodin also noted that the committees within the State Duma should take an active role in overseeing this drive, ensuring that the proposed measures receive prompt consideration and possible implementation.
Meanwhile, there was a mention that the Ministry of Education and Science would consider incentives that would reduce the cost of education for students or family members participating in the Russian special military operation in Ukraine, pointing to a broader policy approach to support educational access for those connected to the operation while balancing budgetary realities.
Observers say that the dialogue underscores ongoing debates about how to reflect service, sacrifice, and public service in access to higher education. Proponents argue that formal preferential admissions would acknowledge contributions to national priorities and provide practical pathways for families directly affected by the conflict. Critics, however, call for careful implementation to ensure fairness across all applicants and to avoid unintended disparities in admission outcomes.
Experts suggest that any future policy would need clear criteria, transparent administration, and robust oversight to prevent misuse. They also stress the importance of maintaining the integrity of admission standards while exploring targeted support for those connected to service activities and public health tragedies alike. The discussion continues as lawmakers weigh the potential social and educational benefits against the need for equity and predictable governance.