How to receive UAH 1 million for volunteers aged 18-24 who joined the military before the launch of the ‘Contract 18-24’ Program

Individuals who voluntarily joined the military between the ages of 18 and 24, served during the period between February 24, 2022, and February 13, 2025, and are currently active service members are eligible for a one-time remuneration of UAH 1,000,000. This entitlement is provided for under a government resolution on implementing the ‘Contract 18-24’ initiative.

The Ministry of Defence provides clarification on the required documents for receiving this remuneration.

A separate directive from the Minister of Defence, No. 999/ud, dated February 20, 2025, on the implementation of the government decree, stipulates that remuneration for this category of service members is paid by order of the military unit commander.

The corresponding order of the commander, in turn, is issued based on a set of documents that includes:

• Service record extracts, copies of service cards, certificates verifying military service (employment history);
• Copies of service cards;
• Certificates in the appropriate format, including from previous duty stations, confirming direct involvement in combat operations within designated areas, the absence (or presence) of legal liabilities, or any other relevant circumstances.

The template for the certificate confirming direct participation in combat operations within designated areas and the absence of legal liabilities is available here.
The certificates required by the aforementioned directive from the Minister of Defence must be obtained from each of the service member's duty stations, including their current one.

Participation in combat operations is substantiated by relevant documents, such as:

• Combat order (directive);
• Operations log, operational situation log, combat report;
• Unit commander's report.

Periods of direct participation in combat operations in the designated areas, as indicated in a certificate from another military unit, may be considered when determining the service member's eligibility for remuneration, provided that these periods are confirmed by the relevant documents specified in the aforementioned directive and resolution.

The military unit where the service member is currently serving, if necessary, must make the appropriate requests to other military units and compile the received data for further remuneration processing. However, to expedite the process, the service member may also request the necessary certificates independently.

Important note: The certificate issued under Annex 6 of the Procedure for Granting and Revoking Combatant Status is not sufficient for this remuneration, as it does not cover all factors affecting eligibility. The periods listed in this certificate cannot be used as a basis for remuneration, as they encompass both direct combat participation and other non-combat periods that are not eligible for payment.