New rules for men in the civil service have been introduced in Ukraine: what will change
On 25 March, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine passed Law No. 13347, which provides for a comprehensive reform of the training of citizens for national defence. One of the key changes is the introduction of new requirements for men planning to work in the civil service.
Under the new legislation, men must now complete military service in order to hold a position in the civil service. This is one of the key requirements for appointment to a public office. The law also provides for the introduction of new educational programmes for citizens, including schoolchildren and students, regardless of gender. Educational institutions will introduce the subject ‘Fundamentals of National Resistance’, and the ‘Defence of Ukraine’ course will be updated and improved.
An important part of the reform is the creation of specialised training centres where citizens can undertake practical training. One such area is marksmanship training at the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ training grounds and certified shooting ranges. However, for those whose religious beliefs prohibit the use of weapons, there will be the option to replace these sessions with other forms of training. People with disabilities or those who have lost their ability to work will also be exempt from the practical component.
The reform stipulates that training will be accessible to all, men and women alike, and clearly defines the powers of the authorities regarding the organisation of this training. The law is part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening national resilience and ensuring citizens’ preparedness for potential threats.
As a reminder, the campaign for declaring income for 2025 has been underway in Ukraine since 1 January 2026. Certain categories of military personnel must submit their declarations by 1 April 2026. Read on to find out exactly who is required to do so and who is not.
