Ukraine to raise military pay, recruit foreign fighters

Ukraine is implementing significant reforms to its military compensation system and intensifying efforts to recruit foreign fighters to address a critical manpower shortage. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the basic military wage will increase by one-third to 30,000 hryvnias, aiming to align with the country's average monthly salary. Frontline infantry soldiers, who often face prolonged periods without rotation, are set to receive up to 300,000 hryvnias for a month spent on the front lines.

These changes, developed with top military leadership and key ministers, also include the introduction of fixed-term contracts for infantry and assault personnel. Upon completion of these contracts, soldiers will be exempt from mobilization for a specified period. Pay raises are also planned for higher-ranked commanders to incentivize effective leadership. Reforms to unit transfer systems are also being addressed to improve soldier morale and reduce unauthorized absences.

Ukraine is also launching a renewed drive to attract foreign volunteers, particularly from Latin America, who have increasingly taken on infantry and assault roles. This initiative aims to bolster the ranks of the Ukrainian army as the conflict with Russia continues.