No Military Training — No Public Service: Parliament Tightens Rules for Civil Servants

Ukraine’s Parliament has significantly tightened eligibility requirements for public service positions. Lawmakers adopted draft law No. 13347 in its second reading and as a whole, with 263 votes in favor, introducing mandatory military training for men seeking government jobs.

Under the new legislation, men will only be eligible for civil service if they have completed basic military training or service. Authorities say the move is aimed at strengthening national defense and building a comprehensive system of national resistance.

The law also introduces a multi-level model for citizen preparedness. At the school level, the “Defense of Ukraine” subject will be enhanced with practical training, including first aid, behavior during shelling, and basic safety tactics.

At the higher education level, universities will incorporate mandatory elements of national resistance training into their curricula.

For adults, Ukraine plans to establish a network of specialized training centers where citizens can voluntarily undergo military preparation. These centers will focus on organizing training programs, coordinating initiatives, and providing hands-on instruction. Training will be available to both men and women.

In addition, the legislation formalizes the requirement that men must complete military service to qualify for public sector roles.

At the same time, lawmakers are considering additional initiatives to protect service members. One proposal would prohibit deploying soldiers to combat zones within three months of completing basic training, addressing concerns over high casualty rates during early deployment.

Another initiative seeks to suspend debt collection from military personnel and their families during martial law, applying to banks, financial institutions, and collection agencies alike.

The adopted law reflects Ukraine’s broader strategy to enhance national resilience while reshaping access to public service, making military experience a ключовий requirement for future civil servants.