The Verkhovna Rada to Limit Deferrals through Colleges: How Changes Will Affect Draft Dodgers

The Verkhovna Rada to Limit Deferrals through Colleges: How Changes Will Affect Draft Dodgers

According to ХВИЛЯ: The Verkhovna Rada is preparing legislative changes that will restrict the ability of draft dodgers to avoid mobilization by enrolling in colleges. In 2024, a record number of men over 25 years old enrolled in vocational colleges, which raised concerns among lawmakers. Specifically, 55,581 men in this age category enrolled in colleges, which is a significant increase compared to previous years.

However, by 2025, the number of enrollees decreased to 24,819, indicating possible changes in educational policy and monitoring of the educational process. It is important to note that the number of students aged 25 and over increased from 30,000 to 230,000 after the full-scale invasion began, which also highlights the growing interest in obtaining education amidst the war. However, according to inspection results, about 50,000 students were expelled, raising serious questions about the reality of the educational process in some institutions.

Combating Abuses in the Education System

In order to combat abuses in the education system, eight criminal proceedings have been initiated, and deans and rectors have been detained on suspicion of illegal actions. The Ministry of Education is also preparing 20 inspections for the possible annulment of licenses of violator institutions, indicating the state's intention to ensure the reality of education and prevent the use of education as a tool for evading mobilization.

Regarding the situation, Serhiy Babak noted:

“Education should be used for its intended purpose”

, while Ruslan Hurak added that

“in most of the inspected institutions, we found no evidence of real learning”

. According to him, 'everyone could enroll, but deferrals were only granted until a certain age was reached', which sparked outrage among the public.

In light of these events, the Verkhovna Rada plans to make changes to the legislation that would complicate the procedure for obtaining deferrals for men over 25 years old who have studied in colleges. These changes could significantly affect draft dodgers who attempted to avoid mobilization by pursuing education in educational institutions.

The legislative changes by the Verkhovna Rada that restrict deferrals from mobilization for men over 25 years old may become an important step in combating draft dodgers who are using education to avoid military service. In the context of war and the increasing number of students in the 25+ age category, these initiatives highlight the necessity of ensuring the reality of the educational process and countering abuses. The further actions of the Ministry of Education and law enforcement agencies indicate the seriousness of the state's intentions in this area.