Serhii Melnyk: Commanders will oversee the collection of documents required for the UAH 1 million payments to defenders aged 18-24

Pursuing the principle of social equity, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has extended the ‘Contract 18–24’ program to include those who voluntarily joined the military under the age of 25 after February 24, 2022. 

Effective February 13, 2025, the government resolution outlines eligibility, conditions, and payment procedures.

Eligibility for payment

Service members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine holding ranks of private or senior non-commissioned officer are eligible for remuneration if they meet the following criteria:

• Were enlisted or conscripted into military service during the period of martial law, having not reached the age of 25 at the time of enlistment;
• Directly participated in combat operations in active combat zones for a total of at least six months as of February 13, 2025;
• Remained in active service as of the effective date of the government decree (February 13, 2025);
• Have not been criminally or administratively charged with military offenses more than once and do not have any active disciplinary sanctions.

Service members who took part in combat operations for less than six months but were wounded or captured (excluding voluntary surrender) while defending Ukraine are also eligible for the full payment. 

Service members discharged before February 13, 2025, are not eligible for the payment, even if they met the age criteria.

Details of how the payment is disbursed

Service members receive the full reward in a single payment, sent directly to the bank card linked to their account. For those who participated in combat operations for less than 6 months as of February 13, 2025, the amount is calculated proportionally: 1/6 of UAH 1,000,000 for each 30 days of direct combat participation.

“Many young individuals voluntarily enlisted to defend the country even before the ‘Contract 18-24’ initiative was introduced. It is our duty to recognize their bravery. The payment process is streamlined—service members are not required to initiate requests. The responsibility for processing payments has been assigned to commanders of military units, who must collect all necessary documents, including by sending requests to other units where a service member previously served,” said Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Brigadier General of Justice Serhii Melnyk.

Combat participation verification

Participation in combat operations is substantiated by relevant documents, such as a combat order (directive), an operations log, an operational situation log, a combat report, or a unit commander's report.

Payment mechanism

The payments are carried out based on orders issued by commanders of military units. To prepare such orders, Personnel Services compile a package of documents that includes:

• Service record extracts and certificates;
• Copy of service card;
• Combat participation certificates, including details of service at previous duty stations.
• Certificates indicating the absence or presence of legal liabilities.