Government approves draft law introducing motivational contracts in the Defence Forces

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a draft law developed by the Ministry of Defence to transition the Defence Forces to contract-based staffing through the introduction of motivational contracts. 

The document was approved during a Government meeting held on Friday, 5 December.

The new contract system is intended to become a key factor in strengthening personnel motivation and ensuring the stability of a professional military.

The adopted draft law provides eligibility to sign contracts with enhanced motivational benefits for:

• reservists liable for military service;
• service members currently serving under mobilization.

The draft law introduces more flexible contract durations for the special period. The duration of the initial contract with enhanced motivational benefits ranges from 1 to 5 years. The duration of subsequent contracts ranges from 1 to 10 years, provided it does not exceed the statutory maximum age for military service.

An important social guarantee provided by the draft law is the introduction of a new ground for deferment from conscription. The draft law amends the Law of Ukraine “On Mobilization Preparation and Mobilization,” establishing the right to a 12-month deferment from conscription from the date of discharge from military service under a motivational contract (except for one-year contracts). This will give service members the necessary time for rest, recovery, and for undergoing medical and social rehabilitation.

“We expect a prompt adoption of the draft law by members of parliament. We anticipate that the new contract system will begin operating in the first quarter of 2026,” said Minister of Defence Denys Shmyhal.