The Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers has taken a significant step toward strengthening defense education by approving new regulations that facilitate the transfer of training weapons to various defense education facilities. This move includes centers dedicated to teaching the newly instituted “Defense of Ukraine” subject, aimed at enhancing national security awareness among the youth.
The resolution permits the reallocation of military property, particularly deactivated or non-firing weapons, from armed forces units to municipal schools and Centers for Training Citizens for National Resistance. The Ukrainian defense agency, which spearheaded the initiative, emphasized that these changes are in line with national standards and establish a legal foundation for the operation of specialized training centers. Additionally, the new rules outline the procedures for equipping these facilities with essential resources, thereby improving the quality and scope of defense education.
The “Defense of Ukraine” curriculum was launched in 2023, evolving from the previous “Defense of the Fatherland” course. The newer curriculum focuses on citizens’ constitutional obligations to safeguard the country’s independence and territorial integrity, amidst the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing invasion. The program is designed for 10th- and 11th-grade students and combines classroom instruction with practical training. This approach aims to foster national identity while equipping students with vital skills, including first aid, survival tactics, basic defense concepts, information warfare, and the utility of firearms.
The relevance of this updated curriculum is underscored by the ongoing security challenges faced by the nation. As of September 2025, over 900 Defense of Ukraine centers were certified as operational across the country, with plans for veterans to participate as instructors to bring real-world experience to the classroom.
In conjunction with these updates, the Ministry of Education and Science approved a modification to Kyiv’s Standard Educational Program for secondary schools last June, effective for the academic year 2025-2026. This amendment increases the amount of time dedicated to the Defense of Ukraine subject from 1.5 to 2 hours per week, allowing students more opportunities for practical training at regional centers while reducing lecture time. The changes underscore the commitment to enhancing defense education and preparing the next generation for the complexities of national security.
