Donetsk, Mar 2 — DAN. Almost 2,500 demobilized students have returned to their studies, and a part of them have already used their right to state-funded tuition, Donetsk People’s Republic Deputy Government Chairperson Larisa Tolstykina said on Thursday.

“To support the guys in this difficult time, we decided to give then free education opportunities; as of today, 142 people have used this right, ” Tolstykina said in a post on Telegram adding that 97 of these students received grants.

Overall, 2,426 students resumed their studies after demobilization.  The authorities help them get back into learning and catch up with the class. They also get psychological assistance as part of rehabilitation, she added.

On Thursday, Tolstykina met with demobilized students. The meeting was attended by Russian senator Natalia Nikonorova and DPR Education and Science Minister Olga Koludarova. Students asked questions regarding future employment after graduation and war veteran status and benefits.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on November 13 ordered to demobilize the students from the Donbass Republics who had been called up to the front. Pursuant to the order, DPR Acting Head Denis Pushilin discharged full-time and mixed attendance students from military service. Later on, state decorations were awarded to the demobilized students who had taken part in the special military operation.*jk