The first phase of military transformation is already underway: the Ministry of Defence, the General Staff, and commanders discuss implementation across military units
The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, together with the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and military commanders, is working to ensure the effective implementation of the first phase of the transformation of the Defence Forces of Ukraine. The primary goal is to strengthen frontline units, improve conditions for recruiting infantry personnel and assault troops, and ensure a fairer remuneration system.
Today, the Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Mykhailo Fedorov, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, and the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Andrii Hnatov, held an online meeting with more than 300 service members from 168 brigades and corps.
The first phase of the Defence Forces transformation is already underway. Our primary task now is to ensure the effective implementation of all changes across the units.
The Ministry of Defence developed the reform in close cooperation with service members, the General Staff, and commanders at all levels.
Direct dialogue with service members
During the meeting, commanders and service members raised initial questions about implementing the changes, provided feedback, and discussed the practical aspects of implementing the reform within their units.
Key topics included:
- the new contracts;
- transfers between units;
- mechanisms for returning to duty after AWOL;
- service durations;
- temporary discharge from military service after service completion;
- service remuneration;
- recruitment of foreign nationals;
- other changes being introduced as part of the first phase of the transformation.
The next important step is to support the implementation of these changes across the units and respond quickly to challenges that may emerge at the unit level.
Strengthening frontline units
The first phase of the transformation has a clear goal: to strengthen frontline units, improve conditions for recruiting infantry personnel and assault troops, and make their remuneration system fairer and more directly linked to operational risk and mission accomplishment.
I am grateful to the Commander-in-Chief, the General Staff, and all service members for their willingness to work together on these changes. Your feedback is important to us, and we will continue this direct dialogue.
The next key phase of the transformation will involve reforms to the recruitment and mobilization system.