Military training for future conscripts in Ukraine is evolving in 2025: a comprehensive approach for all. Discover the changes in preparation methods.
The Verkhovna Rada has approved amendments to the law of Ukraine "On Military Registration and Military Service." In total, 298 Members of Parliament voted in favor of bill No. 1276.
Starting in 2025, Ukraine will abolish mandatory military service, replacing it with compulsory basic military training for men aged 18 to 25. The duration of this training will be 5 months during peacetime and 3 months during wartime. According to the new legislation, basic military training will take place while students are enrolled in higher education institutions. Male students who refuse to undergo this training will face expulsion from their educational institutions.
However, women will be allowed to voluntarily undergo basic military training and register for military service. Furthermore, young men residing abroad can register for military service without returning to Ukraine.
Mandatory Basic Military Training and Work: Is it Possible to Combine Them?
Bobrovska noted that working men need to attend military departments for their training, which usually occurs on one of the weekend days. As a result, combining this with work is feasible. However, an individual who only wants to complete basic military training and not obtain an officer rank or military specialty will have to undergo 2-3 months of mandatory training.
"Employers are obliged to allow individuals to complete their basic military training," the MP stated.
She emphasized that during the basic military training, individuals cannot attain officer ranks.
Does Ukraine Have the Resources to Train a Large Number of People for Basic Military Training?
According to Solomiya Bobrovska, not everyone will go for basic military training at the same time. Specifically, there is a time buffer of 7 years (from 18 to 25 years old). Thus, individuals can choose when to undergo basic military training or obtain an officer rank and attend military departments. She noted that the system has sufficient infrastructure for this.
Religious Beliefs Against Participation in Military Training: Will Individuals Be Exempt from Basic Military Training?
The MP stated that the Constitution speaks of military duty for men, not religious restrictions. Therefore, religious beliefs will not be a valid reason to avoid basic military training.
Will Mandatory Basic Military Training Enhance Ukraine's Defense Capabilities?
Bobrovska explained that the introduction of mandatory basic military training serves as a component for enhancing defense capabilities. Essentially, it constitutes large-scale training for individuals who will be recruited and will undergo military training.
"Thus, there is a rationale for everyone to register for military service, undergo training, and receive their military specialty (VUS). Whether it will be a basic VUS for a shooter, if a person completes basic military training, or if it will be a military department or other VUS, if the individual continues after basic military training for further professional training and obtains another VUS. We have often discussed the Israeli model. It is essentially a mandatory service for everyone, obtaining a VUS, and registering for military service," Solomiya Bobrovska stated.
She clarified that the duration of basic military training will be sufficient for quality preparation.
Recall that in April 2024, it was announced that starting September 1, 2025, all students will be required to undergo basic military training. Men who complete the training will not be drafted into the Armed Forces until they reach 25 years of age.
On December 27, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, discussed plans to extend the basic military training by 15 days, making it last for two months. According to him, there are also plans to improve the quality of training by utilizing resources from combat brigades.