Ukraine's Rada lets young soldiers study during service
The Ukrainian parliament supported a bill expanding educational rights for 18–24-year-old contract soldiers, enabling them to study at higher education institutions without interrupting their military service, Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal reported on Telegram on July 31.
The bill allows contract soldiers to pursue higher education while serving, guarantees the preservation of their enrollment status and stipends during service, and grants leave for study-related purposes.
On July 30, Shmyhal reported that the Cabinet of Ministers launched a new direction for the Contract 18–24 program, targeting drone operators and extending to the Armed Forces, National Guard, and State Border Guard Service.
On July 29, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Cabinet had prepared an expansion of the contract program for 18–24-year-old volunteers to attract more motivated individuals to the military.
On Feb. 7, Zelenskyy announced the introduction of a one-year contract for 18–24-year-olds with high financial compensation to recruit younger Ukrainians into the army.
On Feb. 11, the Ministry of Defense officially launched the Contract 18–24 voluntary service format, allowing Ukrainians to join the Defense Forces for one year.
On June 27, the government approved a bill granting a one-year deferment from conscription for volunteers who completed service under the Contract 18–24 program.
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