Ukraine Initiates Large-Scale Citizen Training for National Resistance: Creation of a Network of National Defense Centers as a Government Priority
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has officially approved a new procedure for the establishment and operation of Citizen Training Centers for National Resistance, initiated by the Ministry of Defense in cooperation with the Office of the President. This step aims to strengthen the country's defensive capability and mobilize citizens to actively participate in protecting the nation in case of emergencies or aggression. According to official documents, the new regulation outlines all stages of creating such centers, their organizational structure, and functional duties. It specifies that the network of these institutions will be coordinated with government bodies, including local self-government authorities, the Territorial Defense Forces (TDF), the Special Operations Forces (SOF), and other civil society institutions, facilitating their interaction and a comprehensive approach to population training. The primary goal of establishing these centers is to foster patriotic consciousness among Ukrainians and to equip them with essential knowledge and normative skills for effective counteraction against external aggression and internal challenges. The centers are planned to be set up across all regions of the country and in the capital city Kyiv. They will operate as municipal institutions or enterprises, providing flexibility in planning and resource management. Legislators have determined that the initiators of these centers will be leaders of regional and city state administrations—in particular, heads of administrations or their representatives. The decision to establish each center will be approved by the respective regional council, ensuring legality and accountability of the process. Funding for the material and technical base of these centers will be provided by local budgets, as well as through other sources not contradicting Ukrainian legislation. Technical equipment will include modern training devices, communication tools, weapon models, simulators, and other imitation means to enable effective training of citizens. Highly qualified instructors—primarily veterans of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with relevant experience and authority—will be involved in conducting training sessions and workshops. If necessary, active service members of the Territorial Defense Forces and Special Operations Forces will also participate. This approach will ensure a high level of training and adherence to contemporary standards of defense education. Training programs will be developed considering regional particularities and will align with the typical curricula of the command structures of the TDF of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, ensuring relevance and practical value. The courses will cover a wide range of topics—from self-defense tactics to basic tactical training and civil defense—ultimately preparing knowledgeable and capable citizens who can act quickly and effectively in emergencies or during military aggression. Against the backdrop of political and social tensions within the country and increasing external threats, officials emphasize that creating this network of training centers is not only a strategic step but also an investment in national security, military readiness, and the unity of the Ukrainian people. Senior officials assure that this project will become an important element of the national system of defense training and will promote patriotic ideals and civic responsibility among the population. At the same time, this initiative sends a clear message to potential aggressors—Ukraine aims to be prepared for any scenario and possesses a reliable network of volunteer and professional defenders of its independence.