Propagandists are distributing a photo of an “order” allegedly issued by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine on reducing the number of budget places for men of draft age on anonymous Telegram channels with pro-Russian rhetoric. They claim that the reason for this decision is the need to replenish the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. However, this document is fake.

It was brought to the attention of specialists from the BAHMUT.IN.UA page and the Center for Counteracting Disinformation. They found out that on the official website of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine there is not a single order providing for a reduction in the number of budget places for military-liable men aged 18 to 25 years. As of August 19, there is only a regulatory legal act “On the conditions and procedure for holding the all-Ukrainian competition Teacher of the Year - 2025”. In addition, order No. 498 was already issued on May 5, 2021 and concerns issues of holding the External Independent Evaluation in 2022.

The Decree of the President of Ukraine on general mobilization for 2022 cannot be the basis for reducing the number of budget places for men of draft age. When entering any university in Ukraine, budget places are not distributed by gender or age. In 2024, anyone who scored more than 130 points (or 150 points for some specialties) of The national multi-subject test could apply for education at public expense. Also, applicants to art and sports specialties passed a creative competition, which had a greater influence on the competition score than The national multi-subject test - 60%.

Given the high demand among military-liable men for admission to universities, the Ministry of Education and Science has taken a different approach. In particular, for those entering postgraduate studies, the Ministry of Education and Science has increased the number of budget places, canceling the contractual full-time form of study, which previously provided a deferment from mobilization.

By spreading a fake order, Russian propaganda is once again trying to arouse feelings of indignation and injustice among Ukrainians. Studying at public expense is the right of every Ukrainian man and woman who has fulfilled all the conditions for joining and passed the rating list. Propagandists also want to disrupt mobilization in the country and discredit this process.