Service remuneration: components and types of payments

Adequate service remuneration underpins motivation and reflects the state’s recognition of each service member’s contribution to defending Ukraine’s independence. The Ministry of Defence provides clarification on the structure of monthly service remuneration and how combat-related payments are calculated.

Structure of service remuneration

Service remuneration is a state-guaranteed system of payments established in accordance with applicable legislation and determined by position, military rank, length of service, service conditions, and the tasks performed. Its structure and amounts are determined with due regard to the specific nature of military service. Service remuneration consists of base and additional payments.

Base payments

These constitute the foundation of monthly service remuneration provided to a service member, irrespective of the performance of specific combat tasks:

• Base salary: This component is based on the service member’s assigned position.
• Rank pay: A fixed payment determined by the service member’s assigned military rank (private, sergeant, officer, etc.).
• Long service increment: A percentage-based allowance that increases with length of service, ranging from 5% to 50% of the base salary, rank pay, and other allowances.

Additional incentive and compensatory payments

These payments depend on the specifics of service, qualifications, and service conditions:

• Allowance for specific service conditions: One of the key components, amounting to no less than 65% of the base salary, rank pay, and long service increment.
• Allowance for service under restrictive conditions: This allowance applies to service members with clearance to access state secrets.
• Qualification allowance: Paid in accordance with the assigned qualification class.
• Bonus: A monthly payment based on a service member’s individual contribution to overall service outcomes and compliance with discipline.

Remuneration for participation in combat operations

This constitutes a separate form of additional remuneration introduced for the duration of martial law pursuant to Government Resolution No. 168 of 28 February 2022. It does not form part of the base service remuneration structure and is calculated based on the actual performance of tasks.

Main types of combat-related payments:

• UAH 100,000 is payable to service members directly involved in combat operations on the line of contact, carrying out enemy fire engagement tasks, or conducting aviation missions, as well as to naval personnel operating in areas of active hostilities. It is calculated in proportion to days of task performance.
• UAH 50,000 is paid to command personnel performing tasks as part of military command bodies and headquarters responsible for the operational control of units on the line of contact.
• UAH 30,000 is paid to service members performing combat (special) tasks in accordance with combat orders (directives), calculated on a monthly basis proportionally to the time spent performing such tasks, even if they are not directly on the line of contact, provided they operate within designated combat areas or carry out air defense or support tasks.

Important note: Additionally, a one-time remuneration of UAH 70,000 is paid for every 30 cumulatively calculated days (one month) of performing combat tasks directly on the line of contact or within enemy-controlled territory.

One-time payments and social guarantees

The state also provides a range of payments to support service members in various life situations:

• One-time financial assistance upon signing the first contract: This payment is made once, following the entry into force of the first contract:

- rank-and-file personnel: UAH 26,624 (eight subsistence minimums);

- non-commissioned officers: UAH 29,952 (nine subsistence minimums);

- officers: UAH 33,280 (ten subsistence minimums).

• Financial assistance for health improvement: Assistance for health improvement is paid once per year in an amount equivalent to one month of service remuneration.
• Financial assistance for addressing social and household needs: May be paid once per year upon a service member’s request report (subject to the availability of the relevant funds).