Cadets at a military school in western Ukraine have celebrated their graduation, marking the end of years of living, studying, and training together, and for many, the first step towards a career in the armed forces amid the ongoing war with Russia.
Military School Life
The school, home to about 400 cadets from across Ukraine, follows a standard high school curriculum including mathematics, physics, English, and history, but adds military drills, tactical exercises, and drone training. Deputy head Taras Hrytsevych said, “They go from boys to men to warriors here.”
Graduation Ceremony
Heavy clouds hung over the schoolyard as 136 graduating cadets marched in white uniforms. Parents, family members, and friends lined the square, scanning the formation for familiar faces. Among them was 17-year-old Zakhar Yanov, who traveled nearly 560 miles from his home in Dnipro. He will attend a military academy in Odesa. “It’s my duty to defend Ukraine,” he said. “I want to join the airborne forces.”
Inclusion of Girls
Since 2024, the school has admitted girls. Kateryna Sheremeta, 16, from the Volyn region, plans to attend the national academy of the state border guard service to become a border guard officer. “Before the war, I thought about working with something creative, such as becoming an architect or a designer,” she said. “But after the invasion, I realised this is where I belong.” Her father served during the early stages of the invasion, and both brothers served; one was killed in January 2024 at age 25.
Farewell and Future
After the parade, cadets hugged parents they had not seen for weeks or months and posed for final photographs. Within days, many will submit applications to military academies, while others will pursue civilian careers. The dormitories will stand empty until a new class arrives in September. The cadets celebrated their last evening together with dancing and singing around a bonfire before heading to different cities and futures.
