Mass mobilization of teenagers in Sumy region? The Center for Countering Disinformation refutes the fake.

Russian propaganda spreads false information about the disappearance of teenagers in the Sumy region

Russian propagandists spread false information that in January 2025, teenagers mass disappeared in the Sumy region, who were forcibly mobilized into the Armed Forces of Ukraine. However, the Center for Countering Disinformation warns that this information is a fake.

«This information is false. Propagandists use fabricated screenshots of messages about the disappearance of teenagers, which are forgeries. They altered the place and date in them using an image editing program,» the center reports.

It should be noted that in Ukraine, mobilization of 18-year-old students after completing basic military training (BMT) is impossible. This was stated by the head of the Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council Andriy Kovalenko.

It is known that from September 1, 2025, basic military training will be introduced in higher educational institutions. It will include theoretical and practical courses. The theoretical course will be available for both men and women. The practical course will be mandatory only for men. If women wish to undergo the practical BMT course, they will have to pass a military medical commission (MMC), be fit for military service, and register with the Territorial Conscription Committee (TCK).

It is worth emphasizing that passing the basic military training (BMT) is mandatory for all students of higher educational institutions. In case of failure in the exam or refusal to take the oath, further studies will be prohibited.