Defined service durations, electronic military registration document, and key procurements: this week’s MoD highlights

The Government has approved new motivational contracts with clearly defined service durations, the electronic document in Reserve+ has become the primary military registration document for individuals liable for military service, procurement of adaptive clothing has been expanded, and other key updates are covered in this week’s MoD highlights.

Motivational contracts with clearly specified service durations

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a draft law introducing motivational contracts in the Ukrainian military. The next step is for Parliament to consider the draft law.

The new contracts will be available to both active-duty service members and those liable for military service. The initial contract will have a duration of one to five years, while subsequent contracts will range from one to ten years.

The draft law also introduces a new social guarantee: a 12-month deferment from conscription following completion of service under a motivational contract, except for one-year contracts.

The proposed system is expected to take effect in the first quarter of 2026, following adoption of the law by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and its signing by the President.

Digitalization and officers responsible for digital transformation

The Armed Forces of Ukraine will have 7,000 officers responsible for digital transformation. This was announced by Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Denys Shmyhal, at the Digital Defence Forum.

The officers responsible for digital transformation will operate across all commands and service branches, down to the battalion level. They will implement new digital systems directly within units and provide feedback on how each system performs in practice.

This will significantly accelerate digitalization, thereby increasing the effectiveness of Ukraine’s military and giving Ukraine a substantial advantage in technological warfare.

Who Reserve ID becomes the primary military registration document for?

The Government has updated the procedure for issuing military registration documents, which will henceforth be generated solely in electronic format.

The electronic military registration document (Reserve ID) in the Reserve+ mobile application is becoming the primary document for the military registration of conscripts, individuals liable for military service, and reservists.

If required, the paper version of the document can be printed independently or obtained at enlistment offices (Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center, TRSSC).

The transition to an electronic format reduces the risks of document loss and forgery and is part of the digitalization of the military registration system.

Users are advised to save the military registration document in PDF format to ensure it remains accessible during blackouts or when network connectivity is unavailable. This can be done in the Reserve+ application: on the main screen, tap the ‘plus’ icon, then select the ‘Download PDF’ option.

The Ministry of Defence’s specialists are working to ensure that, in the future, the up-to-date military registration document will be available in the application even without Internet access.

User photo in Reserve+

The electronic military registration document of an individual liable for military service in the Reserve+ app now includes the holder’s photo.

The photo is automatically displayed in the Reserve ID document for users holding a biometric passport, following an update to the latest version of the app and the document. This enhancement simplifies and accelerates document verification.

Please note that a Reserve ID without a photo has the same legal force as a Reserve ID with a photo.

First procurement of ballistic blankets

The Ministry of Defence’s State Operator for Non-Lethal Acquisition (DOT) will procure ballistic blankets for service members for the first time. These are versatile protective field tents that can be used during movement, for sheltering positions and dugouts, as well as during casualty evacuation.

Ballistic blankets are designed to protect personnel from fragments generated by artillery shells, mines, and grenades. Versatile field tents, known as ballistic blankets, are designed to provide individual and collective protection for service members.

The development of this protective item is the result of joint efforts by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the Command of the Logistics Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in particular, the Central Directorate for the Development of Logistics Support.

More than 5,000 ballistic blankets are planned for procurement, with delivery expected by the end of February 2026.

Adaptive clothing procurement expanded

The Ministry of Defence procured over 600,000 adaptive clothing items for wounded service members. The items were delivered to military medical facilities under the ‘Wounded Warrior Package’ project.

Adaptive clothing featuring a loose fit and hook-and-loop fasteners eases treatment and rehabilitation for wounded and ill service members. Priority delivery is being directed to medical facilities in the frontline and border regions.

Additionally, personal hygiene kits were procured as part of the project. In 2026, plans are in place to continue and expand the program.

Monthly financial benefit for those awarded the Cross of Combat Merit

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has introduced a monthly financial benefit for service members awarded the Presidential decoration ‘Cross of Combat Merit’. The benefit will be paid to active-duty service members and veterans at 1.5 times the minimum wage in effect as of 1 January of the respective year. Currently, this amounts to UAH 12,000.