Published: TUESDAY September 22, 2026: 'Homefront FRONTLINE' by ZUMA Press partner agency Ukrinform photographer Viacheslav Madiievskyi: In the forests and training fields of Kharkiv, the line between civilian life and national defense continues to blur as everyday citizens step up to protect their communities. The Kharkiv Regional Centre for Training Citizens for National Resistance prepares local civilians for regional defense. Since early 2026, the facility has trained 1,150 people ranging from shopkeepers to office workers, with skills from weapon handling to life-saving combat first aid. Instructed by experienced military veterans, the program combines basic infantry tactics and emergency medical training with modern technical skills like drone operation. establishing a practical blueprint for community-led security amid the ongoing war with Russia. Welcome to 'Homefront FRONTLINE'
© zReportage.com Issue #1055 Story of the Week: Published: TUESDAY September 22, 2026: 'Homefront FRONTLINE' by ZUMA Press partner agency Ukrinform photographer Viacheslav Madiievskyi: In the forests and training fields of Kharkiv, the line between civilian life and national defense continues to blur as everyday citizens step up to protect their communities. The Kharkiv Regional Centre for Training Citizens for National Resistance prepares local civilians for regional defense. Since early 2026, the facility has trained 1,150 people ranging from shopkeepers to office workers, with skills from weapon handling to life-saving combat first aid. Instructed by experienced military veterans, the program combines basic infantry tactics and emergency medical training with modern technical skills like drone operation. establishing a practical blueprint for community-led security amid the ongoing war with Russia. Welcome to 'Homefront FRONTLINE'

A woman wearing a virtual reality headset as she practices shooting skills with a rifle during a national resistance course for civilians, Kharkiv region. In the forests and training fields of Kharkiv, the line between civilian life and national defense continues to blur as everyday citizens step up to protect their communities.
© Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform via ZUMA Press Wire

A trainee listens as an instructor gives a shooting drill at a range as part of a national resistance course for civilians, Kharkiv region. Practical sessions include shooting and tactical drills, first aid training, small-group operations, and the use of drones and ground robotic systems.
© Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform via ZUMA Press Wire

A woman holds a drone controller she trains to fly a UAV during a national resistance course for civilians, Kharkiv region, Ukraine. In the forests and training fields of Kharkiv, the line between civilian life and national defense continues to blur as everyday citizens step up to protect their communities.
© Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform via ZUMA Press Wire

An instructor teaches a group of students how to operate a drone during a national resistance course for civilians, Kharkiv region. Practical sessions include shooting and tactical drills, first aid training, small-group operations, and the use of drones and ground robotic systems.
© Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform via ZUMA Press Wire

A woman holds FPV goggles as she trains to fly a drone during a national resistance course for civilians, Kharkiv region. Alongside traditional shooting drills, participants receive hands-on training in operating unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and ground robotic systems.
© Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform via ZUMA Press Wire

Armed participants move through smoke in a wooded area during a practical tactical training session, part of a national resistance course for civilians, Kharkiv region. Practical sessions include shooting and tactical drills, first aid training, small-group operations, and the use of drones and ground robotic systems.
© Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform via ZUMA Press Wire

An instructor teaches a group of civilians how to use a rifle during a practical tactical training session in a wooded area during a national resistance course for civilians. Since the beginning of the year, 1,150 people have completed training under the program of the Kharkiv Regional Centre for Training Citizens for National Resistance.
© Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform via ZUMA Press Wire

Armed participants with automatic weapons move through a wooded area during a practical tactical training session, part of a national resistance course for civilians, Kharkiv region, Ukraine.
© Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform via ZUMA Press Wire

Armed participants move through smoke in a wooded area during a practical tactical training session, part of a national resistance course for civilians, Kharkiv region, Ukraine.
© Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform via ZUMA Press Wire

Participants carry paper targets at a shooting range during a shooting drill that is part of a national resistance course for civilians, Kharkiv region. Alongside traditional shooting drills, participants receive hands-on training in operating unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and ground robotic systems.
© Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform via ZUMA Press Wire

Participants aim rifles in the prone position at a shooting range during a shooting drill that is part of a national resistance course for civilians, Kharkiv region. At present, 456 people are enrolled in 15 groups.
© Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform via ZUMA Press Wire

A woman holds a target during a shooting drill that is part of a national resistance course for civilians, Kharkiv region. What sets this civilian resistance program apart is its integration of contemporary warfare tactics, ensuring that local defenders are prepared for the modern battlefield.
© Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform via ZUMA Press Wire

An instructor helps a participant hold a rifle during a practical tactical training session in a wooded area during a national resistance course for civilians, Kharkiv region, Ukraine. Since early 2026, the facility has trained 1,150 people ranging from shopkeepers to office workers, with skills from weapon handling to life-saving combat first aid.
© Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform via ZUMA Press Wire

An instructor helps a woman put on a helmet during a practical tactical training session in a wooded area that is part of a national resistance course for civilians, Kharkiv region. At present, 456 people are enrolled in 15 groups. Practical sessions include shooting and tactical drills, first aid training, small-group operations, and the use of drones and ground robotic systems.
© Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform via ZUMA Press Wire