In 2025, the implementation of the targeted social program of national-patriotic education in the Donetsk region for 2021–2025 was completed. Despite active hostilities, mass relocation of the population, and constant security challenges, the Donetsk region has demonstrated a high level of adaptability and effectiveness in implementing policies to affirm Ukrainian national and civic identity.
The youth of Donetsk Oblast are not simply preserving their identity in the context of war—they are becoming active agents in its strengthening, dissemination, and protection. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the structural units of the regional state administration, territorial communities, the military, municipal institutions, educational institutions, IDP support centers, and partners from the public sector, 2025 has become a period of intensive development of systemic initiatives aimed at forming a sustainable Ukrainian consciousness, practical preparation for national resistance, and affirming key national values—identity, freedom, unity, and dignity—as the basis for social unity.
One of the key achievements of the year was the holding of about 120 thematic regional events in mixed formats – online and offline. The events took place in Kramatorsk, Dnipro, and Kyiv, allowing us to reach the widest possible audience despite logistical difficulties. In total, these events attracted more than 7,000 young people, promoting the exchange of experience, the formation of skills, and the strengthening of community ties. Funding from the regional budget amounted to UAH 656,700. This money was used to organize logistics and create safe conditions for offline events and patriotic training.
Throughout the year, the Coordination Council for the Affirmation of Ukrainian National and Civic Identity at the regional state administration, as well as corresponding councils at five district state administrations and 35 military administrations of settlements in the region, were active. In 10 communities where no coordination councils have been established, community representatives are members of district councils.
A significant step in infrastructure development was the work of the Unity and National Resistance Center Platform, which became a central hub for coordinating efforts in the field of patriotic education and resistance training. In 2025, a number of innovative programs aimed at practical training of the population were introduced here. In particular, classes on primary training for national resistance began, covering topics such as mine safety, first aid, countering information and psychological operations (IPO), and anti-drone work. These classes, conducted in partnership with security experts, attracted about 7,000 participants, mainly young people and active citizens. Participants not only gained theoretical knowledge but also underwent practical simulations, which helped to increase their level of preparedness for real threats. The program became particularly relevant for residents of frontline territories, where daily risks require constant vigilance.
At the same time, courses on preparing the population for national resistance were launched in cooperation with the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Center for National Resistance Training. In addition, to support education, a free training course for the National Multidisciplinary Test (NMT) on Ukrainian history was launched, involving more than 500 participants. This initiative helps young people not only prepare for admission to higher education institutions, but also gain a deeper understanding of national history, strengthening their patriotic spirit and cultural identity.
Триває тісна співпраця з Державним архівом Донецької області, в межах якої проводяться тематичні заходи до пам’ятних та ювілейних дат. Активно проводяться зустрічі молоді та населення області з видатними істориками, політологами, акторами, поетами, де проводяться презентації книг та досліджень з метою популяризації україномовного продукту.
Another important area of work in 2025 was the "Hear the Hero" project, carried out in collaboration with the Novogrodivka city community, which aimed to preserve living testimonies of the current Russian-Ukrainian war through direct meetings between young people and veterans and defenders of Ukraine. Appropriate digital resources are being created to memorialize fallen defenders, such as the "Memorial of Remembrance. Defenders from Donetsk Region," which is posted on the regional state administration's website. The responses to the section and the materials were created by the military administrations of Donetsk region, in particular by young people, to perpetuate the memory of the Heroes.
A notable achievement of the year was the creation and pilot implementation of the educational board game "Code of Donetsk Region" — the first regional project of this format dedicated to the history, culture, modernity, and resilience of Donetsk region. The game was developed by the creative group of the Youth Council at the regional state administration as part of the UNICEF program in Donetsk region in partnership with the NGO "Zakhody" and the Donetsk Regional State Administration. About 80,000 UAH of extrabudgetary funds were allocated for the implementation of this initiative.
The game combines elements of a card strategy game, a quiz, and role-playing interaction. The main goal is to tell about the key events, figures, symbols, and values of Donetsk region from ancient times to the present day in an exciting way, with a special focus on the period of the Russian-Ukrainian war. As of December 2025, Code of Donetsk Region has been distributed in IDP support centers in Donetsk region, youth centers and spaces, educational institutions, and organizations.
Active work was carried out in the cultural and artistic sphere: the "Embroidered Donetsk Region" campaign was held, as well as the "Unbreakable" poetry and music program for military personnel undergoing rehabilitation and thematic theatrical performances on memorable and anniversary dates. An important component was the work to promote the Ukrainian language, with a large number of language events held at the regional and local levels. In addition, work was done to preserve and promote ethnic minorities through festivals and competitions.
An important milestone of the year was the resumption of military-patriotic training for young people after a hiatus caused by security restrictions. Among the key events was the regional military-patriotic training "Unbreakable Warrior," held from September 3 to 16, 2025, in conjunction with the regional administration's department of education and science. Participants underwent a comprehensive program that included physical exercises, tactical training, and lectures on the history of resistance, developing skills of resilience and unity.
The second event was the Cadet Shield training course, organized from December 3 to 6, 2025, in partnership with Donetsk State University of Internal Affairs. This training focused on elements of law enforcement training, involving young people in simulations of real-life defense scenarios. Both training courses not only increased the level of preparedness of the participants, but also became a platform for networking, where young people could exchange ideas and experiences. Also, throughout 2025, the "Land of Giants" and "Call of the Steppe" tent camps were held in cooperation with scout and Plast organizations, and a series of educational training sessions were organized, namely the military-patriotic game "Sokil (Dzhura)" "Sich Nezlamnykh" (Unbreakable Sich), etc. for schoolchildren of different ages.
During 2025, the project "My Donetsk Region. My Home. My Fortress" was launched and implemented, aimed at promoting military service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and law enforcement agencies.
The culmination of efforts in the field of identity formation was the All-Ukrainian training course "Formation of National Identity: The Experience of Defenders and Civil Society Institutions," held from September 30 to October 2, 2025, in the Dnipropetrovsk region. The event was organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine in cooperation with the Donetsk Regional State Administration. The training was attended by 75 representatives of regional and local military administrations, civil society institutions, and specialized institutions from various regions of Ukraine. The program included panel discussions, workshops, and experience sharing, where strategies for countering cultural assimilation and strengthening national values were discussed.
By order of the head of the regional state administration, the head of the regional military administration, dated 30 December 2025, No. 910/5-25, a regional targeted social programme for the affirmation of Ukrainian national and civic identity for the period up to 2028 was approved. At present, local communities are working on creating their own programs, which must be approved within two months of the approval of the regional program. This will enable the comprehensive implementation of this policy in 2026-2028.
Overall, 2025 was a year of transformation for Donetsk Oblast, turning challenges into opportunities. Through a combination of educational, patriotic, and practical initiatives, the region not only maintained its activity but also strengthened it, involving thousands of participants. Funding from the regional budget ensured the sustainability of the programs, while partnerships with state and public institutions ensured their effectiveness.