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Government approved new regulations: UAV operator contracts and deferrals for ‘Contract 18–24’ participants

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved the launch of a new component of the program – a contract for drone operators who will serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, and the State Border Guard Service.

“This contract path has specific conditions. The key element is a fixed two-year service term. As with the main program, a UAH 1 million payment is stipulated, to be disbursed in three phases,” said Minister of Defence of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.

The ‘Contract 18–24’ for UAV operators: key features and benefits

Volunteers signing such contracts will have the same conditions as other participants in the ‘18–24’ project:

  • UAH 1,000,000 contract: UAH 200,000 upfront at signing, plus UAH 800,000 paid in two installments during the contract period;
  • Up to UAH 120,000 per month, plus additional payments for combat missions;
  • Up to UAH 2,000,000 per year;
  • Upon signing the contract, mandatory intensive training for three months;
  • Exemption from conscription for one year after completing the contract;
  • Choice of military unit and specialty;
  • housing compensation during service;
  • Medical care, free dental treatment and prosthetics;
  • Mortgage with 0.0% interest after contract completion (under the ‘eOselya’ program);
  • Free transportation and utility subsidies;
  • Education funded by the state within quota allocations after contract completion;
  • Right to travel abroad upon completion of the contract;
  • The option to independently select the facility for examination by the Military Medical Commission (MMC).

Deferral for ‘18–24’ project participants after contract completion

The Government has also endorsed legislative amendments guaranteeing ‘Contract 18–24’ participants a 12-month deferral from conscription during mobilization, effective upon discharge from military service at the conclusion of their contract.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine endorsed the relevant amendments to Article 23 of the Law ‘On Preparation and Implementation of Mobilization’ at today’s meeting.

Under currently applicable legislation, volunteers aged 18 to 24 are required to be placed on the military register upon discharge and may be subject to immediate conscription. The amendments to the Law are intended to address and resolve this uncertainty.

“This means that all individuals who voluntarily joined the military under contract will be entitled to a 12-month deferral upon reaching the age of 25,” commented Minister of Defence of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.

It is important to note that during the deferral period, discharged reservists may rejoin the military only on a voluntary basis. These changes will also enable volunteers to rest and exercise their right to travel abroad, as stipulated under the ‘Contract 18–24’ conditions.

 

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