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Reform of the Defence Forces of Ukraine: defined service durations and revised service remuneration

Four Ukrainian service members in military gear stand in a field with the sun behind them
The reform is expected to start producing its first results in June, particularly in financial support for rank-and-file personnel, sergeants, and commanders of the Defence Forces of Ukraine

Following a meeting with Minister of Defence Mykhailo Fedorov, government representatives, and military leadership, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced preparations to launch the reform of the Defence Forces of Ukraine.

The key areas of reform were agreed in April. All details are to be finalized in May, with the reform expected to start producing its first results in June, particularly in financial support for rank-and-file personnel, sergeants, and commanders of the Defence Forces of Ukraine.

“From day one in office, we have been working on a comprehensive transformation of recruitment and service conditions in the Defence Forces. We are preparing to implement the first projects under the reform, including a fair service remuneration model, a new contract system with defined service durations and a clear rotation framework, as well as new approaches to staffing our units, among others. I thank the President for supporting the systemic transformation of the Defence Forces,” said Mykhailo Fedorov.

Increase in service remuneration

The President directed that service remuneration for service personnel be significantly increased, taking into account the principle of fairness.

Increases in service remuneration should be based on:

  • the performance of combat tasks on the front line;
  • demonstrated combat and leadership experience;
  • individual service member performance.

The minimum level of service remuneration for rear-area positions should be set at no less than UAH 30,000. For combat positions, service remuneration should be significantly higher, by several multiples.

An increase in the level of service remuneration is envisaged for commanders, combat sergeants, and officers.

Special contracts for infantry personnel

Particular attention will be given to infantry personnel holding the front line. The President instructed the introduction of special contracts for infantry personnel, with service remuneration ranging from UAH 250,000 to 400,000, depending on the performance of combat tasks.

Contract system update

Approaches to unit staffing and personnel management will also be updated.

The President directed the strengthening of the contract system in the Defence Forces of Ukraine. This is expected to:

  • expand the contract-based component;
  • ensure clearly defined service durations;
  • initiate, already this year, the phased discharge of previously mobilized personnel based on clearly defined time-based criteria.

The Minister of Defence of Ukraine and military leadership will discuss the implementation of the reform with field commanders and take their proposals into account when finalizing the details.

A report will be submitted to the President on specific steps for implementing the reform, including the schedule for increased service remuneration from June and the updated contract system.

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