Kyiv’s Military Institute introduces a new specialization to train officers for resistance roles in occupied territories
The Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (VIKNU) has announced the launch of a new specialization: “Organization, Preparation, Conduct, and Support of Resistance Movement Operations.” Starting in 2025, this will become the first program in Ukraine to train officers specifically for territorial defense missions under conditions of partial or full occupation.
The new military specialty — officially titled “Organization, Planning, Preparation, Conduct, and Support of the Resistance Movement” — was added to the list of Special Operations Forces leadership disciplines by Order No. 691 of the Ministry of Defense dated October 15, 2024.
Under this program, future officers will study how to form, coordinate, and sustain resistance cells in occupied territories. The curriculum will also cover subjects such as information warfare, clandestine operations, sabotage tactics, secure communications, cooperation with local populations, and survival under complete isolation.
The training will draw on the operational experience of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Special Operations Forces (SOF), which have conducted missions in temporarily occupied areas for several years. Courses will be led by active SOF officers, representatives of the National Resistance Center, and experts from other agencies with real-world experience in organizing resistance efforts.
Introducing this new specialization reflects Ukraine’s evolving military doctrine in the face of ongoing war with Russia. While conventional front-line defense remains crucial, Ukraine recognizes the growing importance of resistance operations in occupied rear areas. In the event of renewed aggression or expanded enemy advances, trained resistance cell commanders may play a decisive role in disrupting enemy control and organizing mass civilian defiance.
Enrollment in the program will be open to cadets with prior military training, as well as to civilians.