Key facts
- Ukrainian soldiers declining new contracts will continue serving until demobilization.
- These soldiers will receive the same pay as before.
- New contracts offer fixed terms and upgraded compensation.
- Infantry soldiers on the front line will receive Hr 300,000 ($6,700) monthly.
- Non-combat roles will have a minimum base pay of Hr 30,000 ($670) monthly.
- Contracts for infantry can be as short as 10 months.
Ukraine's Defense Ministry has clarified new military service rules, stating that soldiers who do not sign newly introduced contracts will continue their service until demobilization, while still receiving their current pay. These reforms, spearheaded by Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, aim to address an acute manpower shortage by offering fixed-term contracts with upgraded compensation and specific conditions for various roles, particularly for infantry. Deputy Defense Minister Mstyslav Banik explained that personnel not signing new contracts will serve under existing conditions until demobilization, receiving all the same financial benefits. The reforms seek to balance the long-standing societal demand for fixed service terms with the critical need to retain experienced soldiers for the war effort. Under the new system, non-combat roles will see a minimum base pay increase to Hr 30,000 ($670) from Hr 20,000 ($335). Infantry soldiers, who face difficult conditions and rotation challenges, will receive Hr 300,000 ($6,700) for each month spent on the front line. This pay raise will extend to all infantrymen, including those serving under previous mobilization terms. Contracts for infantry can be as short as 10 months, reflecting the high demand and harsh conditions. Other combat roles, such as drone operators, artillerymen, and medics, will have 24-month fixed contracts with a six-month grace period for discharge. The reforms also address issues with unit transfers, aiming to streamline the process through the Armiia+ app and reduce bureaucracy.