Since September 2025, a new law is enforced in Ukraine, according to which students will have to undergo basic general military training (BZVP). It will be compulsory for all men under 25 years of age who are suitable for health reasons, as well as voluntary for women who will be on military registration. The innovation raised many questions among students, including sanctions for refusing to exercise and their impact on mobilization.
BZVP consists of 300 academic hours: 90 hours of universities and 210 hours in military centers and parts. After the preparation is completed, students will take a military oath, receive a certificate and a military accounting specialty, which exempts them from compulsory military service and opens opportunities to work in public authorities and the prosecutor's office. An important point is that this training will be mandatory for all men under 25 years of age. For women who want to join BZVP, it will be an opportunity if they are on military registration.
The lawyer Marina Bekalo noted that today the law does not provide for legitimate grounds for deduction of students for refusing to pass BZVP. However, it is important to remember that under the current legislation, only those who have passed the BZD or basic military service are not subject to mobilization. This means that students aged 18-25, who abandon exercises and do not have deferrals, can be mobilized. So far, mobilization is not threatening to students who study on day or dual forms before completing their studies. However, if a student refuses to undergo training, he or she may be threatened with deductions from the school or other administrative sanctions, although this issue is not currently regulated by law.
Under the new legislation, all men under 25 should be prepared, but the opportunity to choose the year to pass the BZVP remains in the hands of the students themselves. It is important that this preparation should take up to 24 years. The issue concerning masters and graduate students who has not yet been taken into account in the legislation is currently open. Before starting the practical part of the preparation, all students will have to undergo a physical examination. For those who give up exercises or will not be able to prepare, there is a threat of deduction from the school. In addition, the course itself will be integrated into the curriculum as a separate discipline, and practical classes will be conducted during the holidays, which will minimize students' time.
The new changes should be carefully monitored for the law and properly prepared for BZVP. Preparing for military service will be not only an important step to ensure the security of the state, but also a condition for career growth in authorities and other government agencies.
