Raising children of war: The Verkhovna Rada adopted a resolution on the All-Ukrainian children’s and youth military-patriotic game “Jura”
In the conditions of a full-scale war, Ukraine not only defends itself on the fronts, but also transforms its internal educational policy. The focus is on children and youth growing up in the era of the invasion of the Russian Federation, losses, anxieties and displacements. The state seeks to form in them not only knowledge of history, but also defensive consciousness, a sense of belonging to a community that resists, builds and prepares for a long confrontation. One of the tools of such a policy was the All-Ukrainian children’s and youth military-patriotic game “Jura”.
The essence and scope of the game “Jura”
June 19, 2025 Verkhovna Rada approved resolution No. 13309, which establishes the game “Jura” as a permanent and systematic part of the educational process. This decision reflects the state’s efforts to create an institutionally structured space for the formation of the patriotic character of a new generation — the children of war.
The purpose of the game “Jura” is defined as the formation of patriotic and defensive consciousness in children and youth, the development of primary military and specialized competencies. It is not only about basic military training, but also about mastering the disciplines: “Jura-Defender”, “Jura-Paratrooper”, “Jura-Frontier”, “Jura-Guard”, “Jura-Policeman”. The game is designed to prepare young people to protect territorial integrity, defend the state border, and ensure public safety.
As of 2025, about 150,000 children and teenagers have taken part in the game. This coverage is ensured not only by holding the game itself, but also by a network of educational initiatives: trainings, trainings, “Schools of on-duty teachers” — training courses for coordinators of game centers throughout the country.
Financial challenges and hopes for 2026
Despite the declarative support, in 2025 there is no funding for the Jura game at the central level. In the State Budget of Ukraine, no expenses have been laid down even for the implementation of the III stage. In a number of local budgets, funds for the I and II stages are also not provided for. This creates risks of disruption or reduction in the quality of events.
Therefore, the Verkhovna Rada in its resolution calls on the Cabinet of Ministers to provide the necessary funding in the State Budget for 2026 and subsequent years. It is not only about the organization of the game itself, but also about the entire education system that is built around it.
Assignment of MES
The resolution provides for a number of strategic assignments to the Ministry of Education and Science. First of all, strengthen the role of the Ukrainian State Center for National-Patriotic Education as a leading institution from the “Jura” organization in the education system. The center should be given organizational independence and increase its staff for high-quality methodical support of the game.
The integration of “Jura” into the educational process should become systemic: it is planned to be established as an official component of the school curriculum. It is also planned to include the profession of “educator” in the National Classifier of Ukraine, to develop specialized courses for teachers, to prepare educational modules in universities and to improve the qualifications of teachers of all levels.
Involvement of veterans
Veterans, military personnel, and law enforcement officers will be actively involved in the education of youth within “Jura”. It is planned to create a special corps of camp foreman who will work with teenagers within the framework of summer training camps.
Special attention is paid to the development of camps with active movement, in particular in cooperation with international partners. It is also proposed to consider preferential admission to specialized military and sports educational institutions for the most successful participants of the game.
The Ministry of Culture, Digital Transformation, Ministry of Education and Culture has been entrusted with conducting a large-scale information campaign to popularize “Jura”. It is about media publications, creation of separate portals, work with the public.
Local authorities should provide funding for camps in communities, include “Jura” in regional target programs and ensure maximum coverage of children and youth. The game should become a part of daily educational work in every village, city and district.
