Oksen Lisoviy, Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, stated that the scale of using educational institutions to obtain deferment from mobilization has significantly decreased. According to him, the situation where studying became a mass method of evading military service is a thing of the past.
From surge to control
At the beginning of his tenure, the minister noted a sharp increase in the number of students over 25 years old in higher education institutions. Later, a similar trend was recorded in colleges and graduate schools. However, according to Lisoviy, measures taken by the state have allowed the situation to stabilize.
"We have taken a number of measures; today there is no such critical situation, in fact, there hasn't been one for several years already," emphasized the head of the department.
Fighting corruption and subversive activities
Lisoviy called the organization of schemes to obtain deferment not just an unethical act, but a threat to national security. In his opinion, such actions undermine the country's defense capabilities and are a form of corruption.
"This is not just unethical behavior — it is subversive activity, it undermines the defense capabilities of the country, it is corruption in its worst form," the minister stated.
Monitoring and accountability
Relevant authorities continue to monitor the situation in educational institutions. If suspicious trends or anomalies are detected, law enforcement agencies are involved in inspections. Lisoviy emphasized that organizers of such schemes must be held accountable for their actions.
Balance between the right to education and military duty
At the same time, the minister noted the importance of maintaining a balance between the youth's right to education and the need to prevent abuse of deferment. The state strives to ensure access to knowledge, but at the same time does not allow the educational system to be used as a tool for evading military duty.