Ukrainian Military Official Advocates for Teenage Start to National Resistance Training.

'National Resistance 2026' Forum

According to Novyny.live: At the All-Ukrainian 'National Resistance 2026' forum held on March 12, 2026, Third Army Corps Deputy Commander Maksym Zhorin called for preparing Ukrainian youth for national resistance from an early age. He stressed the critical importance of proactive engagement with young people, arguing that such preparation must begin during the teenage years, not in adulthood. This call comes as Ukraine continues to bolster its long-term defense capabilities against ongoing aggression.

Maksym Zhorin emphasized that the learning process extends far beyond theoretical knowledge.

"This isn't just some textbook you need to memorize; it's about this kind of constant, engaging work with the youth," he stated.

Preparing the Population for Combat

Additionally, Third Army Corps Commander Andriy Biletsky shared his views on preparing the population for warfare. He noted that if Ukraine had begun actively training its population several years earlier, the current front line might look very different. The Third Army Corps is actively working with youth, aiming to involve them in shaping national consciousness and readiness to defend the country. The forum served as a platform to discuss the vital need for raising a new generation capable of confronting contemporary challenges.

By focusing on teenage preparation, military leaders underscore this as an essential step for strengthening Ukraine's future defensive capacity. Training youth for national defense has become a key element of Ukraine's strategy amid ongoing threats. The emphasis on skill development in adolescents reflects a recognition of the need to sustain a defense tradition and intensify youth engagement. This approach aims to build a foundation for greater national awareness and readiness, which is particularly crucial given the prolonged conflict in the region.