Payments under the ‘Contract 18-24’: Ministry of Defence provides clarification

Since February of this year, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has been implementing the pilot project ‘Contract 18-24.’ This is a voluntary initiative for citizens aged 18 to 24 who are willing to participate in the defense of the homeland during the period of martial law. 

This clarification outlines the types of service remuneration provided to service members under this type of contract.

Payments under the contract consist of:

• one-time financial assistance totaling UAH 1 million;
• monthly service remuneration;
• additional remuneration for direct participation in combat operations in combat zones and for carrying out combat special tasks;
• other social entitlements established for service members (including relocation allowances for service transfers and housing rental compensation).

The one-time financial assistance in the amount of UAH 1 million shall be disbursed in stages:

• UAH 200,000 within 5 working days after signing the contract and taking up duty in the assigned position;
• UAH 300,000 within 5 working days after completing the required training and being assigned to combat (special) tasks;
• UAH 500,000 upon completion of the contract, conditional on compliance with its terms (namely: six months of direct participation in combat operations for infantry specialties; twelve months for unmanned systems operators).

If martial law is terminated or revoked, or if the contract conditions regarding the mandatory period of combat participation are not met (six months for infantry specialties and twelve months for unmanned systems operators), the unpaid third portion of the one-time financial assistance shall be paid proportionally to the duration of military service, at the rate of 1/6 (for infantry specialties) or 1/12 (for unmanned systems operators) of UAH 500,000 for each 30 days of service.

A service member of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who has signed the contract receives monthly service remuneration for the assigned position. The minimum amount for established posts, as defined under the project, currently stands at UAH 20,200. Service members qualified in unmanned systems operation, holding the relevant certificate, may receive a monthly service remuneration of UAH 27,100, inclusive of the allowance for specific service conditions.

Furthermore, service members engaged in direct combat in active combat zones receive an additional remuneration of UAH 100,000, while those assigned to combat (special) tasks receive UAH 30,000. The amount payable is determined monthly, in proportion to the number of days spent directly involved in combat operations or performing special tasks.

Furthermore, a one-time remuneration of UAH 70,000 is granted for every 30 days of direct involvement in combat in the first echelon of defense or offense, up to and including the company strongpoint.

In addition to the aforementioned, service members are entitled to annual financial assistance for health improvement, in the amount of one month’s service remuneration, payable once per year.