Russia Increases Military Training in Schools and Universities

May 12, 2026, 17:00
EuropePolitics

Introduction

The Russian government has started to integrate military training and recruitment directly into its school and university systems.

Main Body

Military preparation became a formal part of the education system on September 1, 2023, with the launch of the 'Fundamentals of Security and Defence of the Motherland' program. Under this rule, tenth-grade students must attend five-day residential training, while eighth-grade students complete three-day sessions. These courses include learning how to use weapons, operate drones, and perform tactical drills. According to financial data from the outlet Vot Tak, the government has spent a huge amount of money on this infrastructure. For example, about 36.5 billion rubles were given to 'Avangard' centers across 39 regions, and over 15 billion rubles were spent on the 'Voin' network. Experts emphasize that these programs are designed to encourage students to join the military and security services. At the same time, the Russian state has started a recruitment campaign in universities to create a new drone force. To attract students, the government is offering high salaries—such as 5.5 million rubles per year at the Far Eastern Federal University—and free tuition. However, human rights groups, such as the Movement of Conscientious Objectors, describe these efforts as 'quiet mobilization.' Legal experts assert that the promises to keep these recruits away from the front lines have no real legal basis. Although the Ministry of Defense denies using force, reports suggest that many students are facing strong administrative pressure to sign contracts.

Conclusion

Russia is continuing to grow its military-educational system through mandatory school training and financial incentives for university students during the ongoing conflict.

Learning

🚀 The 'Power Move': Transitioning from Basic to Advanced Descriptions

An A2 student says: "The government spent a lot of money." A B2 student says: "The government has spent a huge amount of money on this infrastructure."

Notice the difference? B2 English isn't just about big words; it's about Collocations (words that naturally live together).

🧩 The 'Noun + Modifier' Upgrade

Instead of using simple adjectives (like big or many), the article uses high-impact pairings. Let's analyze these patterns to help you sound more professional:

  • "Administrative pressure" →\rightarrow (Not just stress or force, but pressure coming from a system/boss).
  • "Financial incentives" →\rightarrow (Not just money, but money used to make someone want to do something).
  • "Legal basis" →\rightarrow (Not just a law, but the actual foundation or reason why something is legal).

💡 The B2 Logic: Moving from 'What' to 'How'

At A2, you describe what happened. At B2, you describe how it happened using specific nouns.

A2 Level (Basic)B2 Level (Precise)Why it's better
They give money to students.They offer financial incentives.It explains the purpose of the money.
There is no law for this.There is no legal basis.It sounds authoritative and academic.
They are forcing them.They are facing administrative pressure.It describes the type of force being used.

🛠️ Pro-Tip for your Growth

Stop searching for single words in the dictionary. Start searching for phrases. When you see a noun (like incentive), always look at the adjective next to it (financial). This is the fastest bridge to B2 fluency.

Vocabulary Learning

integration (n.)
The act of combining or adding parts to make a whole.
Example:The integration of the new curriculum into the existing syllabus was seamless.
recruitment (n.)
The process of finding and hiring people for a job or position.
Example:The recruitment of volunteers for the campaign was announced yesterday.
residential (adj.)
Relating to or situated in a residence or living quarters.
Example:The residential training camp lasted for five days.
infrastructure (n.)
Basic physical and organizational structures needed for a system to operate.
Example:The government invested billions in the infrastructure of military bases.
fundamentals (n.)
Basic principles or essential elements of a subject.
Example:Students studied the fundamentals of security and defense.
defence (n.)
Protection from danger or harm, especially in a military context.
Example:The defence of the nation relies on well‑trained soldiers.
tactical (adj.)
Relating to strategy or planning of actions, especially in warfare.
Example:The tactical drills helped improve coordination among the troops.
mobilization (n.)
The process of preparing and organizing resources or people for action.
Example:The mobilization of resources began after the announcement.
administrative (adj.)
Relating to the management or organization of an institution.
Example:The administrative staff handled all the paperwork for new recruits.
conflict (n.)
A serious disagreement or struggle, often involving violence.
Example:The ongoing conflict has led to increased military training.