Ukraine military reform aims to increase soldier pay, introduce new contracts, expand recruitment, and begin gradual demobilization of long-serving troops.
Ukraine is preparing to launch a sweeping reform of its armed forces that will increase military salaries, introduce new contract options, improve troop management, and begin the gradual demobilization of long-serving service members.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian troops could begin receiving updated compensation packages as early as June, with the minimum monthly military payment rising to 30,000 hryvnias. The reforms are designed to improve recruitment, retention, and combat effectiveness as Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Infantry to Become Among the Best-Paid Troops
Under the proposed system, Ukrainian infantry soldiers could receive up to 460,000 hryvnias per month, making them among the highest-paid frontline troops globally. Average infantry compensation is expected to reach approximately 300,000 hryvnias per month.
The new pay structure includes:
- 20,000 hryvnias in base compensation;
- 10,000 hryvnias for each day spent on frontline positions;
- 20,000 hryvnias per day for combat search-and-strike operations;
- 40,000 hryvnias for each assault operation day.
Salaries for commanders of combat units are also expected to double under the reform package.
Three Types od Military Contracts
The reform introduces three contract categories. After completing a contract, service members would be eligible for a deferment period from further military service, with a minimum duration of six months.
The proposed contracts include:
Infantry Assault Contract
- Duration: 10 or 14 months
- Average monthly salary: 300,000 hryvnias
Combat Contract
- Duration: 24 months
- Average monthly salary: 120,000 hryvnias
Basic Service Contract
- Duration: 24 months
- Intended for logistics personnel, headquarters staff, and technical specialists
- Average monthly salary: 30,000 hryvnias
- Includes the option to transfer to combat or infantry contracts
Military personnel would also be able to sign new contracts while receiving credit for time already served.
Gradual Demobilisation Expected Before Year-End
According to the announced plans, Ukraine’s Defense Forces aim to begin a gradual demobilization process before the end of the year. Priority would be given to service members who have spent the longest periods in military service, particularly those serving in frontline combat roles.
New Mission Control System
The reform package also includes the introduction of a new digital system known as “Mission Control” for infantry and assault units.
The platform is designed to simplify verification of soldiers’ presence at combat positions, improve the search and evacuation process for wounded personnel, and ensure accurate payment distribution.
Officials say the system will strengthen confidence among troops by improving accountability and battlefield coordination.
Return Option for Soldiers Who Left Service Without Authorization
Service members who previously left their units without authorization will be offered a limited-time opportunity to return to military service.
Under the proposed program, returning personnel would be allowed to choose their preferred unit and commander, providing a pathway back into active service.
Expanding Recruitment of Foreign Volunteers
Ukraine also plans to expand recruitment opportunities for foreign volunteers.
Officials aim to create an international recruitment market involving private recruiting companies that would screen candidates and facilitate their transfer to Ukraine for military service.
The long-term goal is reportedly to increase the share of foreign legionnaires serving in infantry and assault formations.
Easier Transfers Between Units
The reform will also expand the capabilities of the Army+ mobile application, allowing service members to transfer between units more efficiently within designated sectors of the front.
In addition, military leadership plans to introduce a performance evaluation framework containing more than 160 effectiveness indicators to assess brigade performance, replicate successful practices, and address operational shortcomings.
The reform represents one of the most significant overhauls of Ukraine’s military personnel system since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, with officials seeking to improve battlefield effectiveness while addressing long-standing concerns related to compensation, rotation, and troop welfare.
Ukraine Plans to Fill Up to 50% of Assault and Infantry Positions With Foreign Recruits, Fedorov Reveals
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense is opening the foreign recruitment market to strengthen combat units and help preserve the lives of Ukrainian service members. The goal is to fill between 30% and 50% of assault and infantry positions with foreign recruits, according to Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
In a post on Telegram, Fedorov said that one of the government’s key priorities is ensuring fairness for soldiers who have served the longest in Ukraine’s Defense Forces and spent the most time in combat zones. He stated that a gradual demobilization process for these service members is expected to begin before the end of the year.
“This is only the first stage of a large-scale transformation. The second stage will involve a comprehensive reform of the recruitment and mobilization process. We are building an army with clear rules and respect for military personnel. Human life is our highest value, and our primary task is to do everything possible to preserve the lives of soldiers on the front line. Only such an army can provide Ukraine with a strong position for ending the war,” Fedorov said.
The government is also developing a system of military contracts lasting 10, 14, and 24 months. Upon completion of their contracts, service members would be eligible for a deferment period from further military service.
The proposed reforms are part of a broader effort to modernize Ukraine’s armed forces, improve recruitment, increase retention, and address personnel shortages while maintaining combat effectiveness during the ongoing war with Russia.
Tags: defense policy demobilization Soldier Salaries Ukraine military reform ukrainian army Volodymyr Zelenskyy
