The Ukrainian military is in the process of formulating a demobilization strategy, with assurances from leadership that the needs of all categories of soldiers will be taken into account. Concurrently, the Ministry of Defense is preparing specific conditions for stormtroopers and infantry regarding service terms and compensation.
Currently, a clear demobilization protocol has yet to be established, but military officials are working to ensure the process is fair and gradual. Deputy Minister of Defense, Volodymyr Shapovalov, emphasized that while it will not be possible to release all soldiers at once, a structured approach is being developed. He stated, “Everyone understands that without this, it will be very difficult to move forward.”
Shapovalov also noted that the army cannot simply be disbanded, as each unit requires adequate replacements. Discussions are ongoing about how to implement this transition, including which categories of soldiers will be prioritized for release and which will remain on duty.
Service terms vary significantly across different soldier categories. For contract soldiers, service durations are already outlined in official documents. In contrast, the situation for mobilized soldiers is more complex, as their service periods are being evaluated separately based on the current combat conditions.
Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov recently held a closed meeting with soldiers from frontline regions including Donetsk, Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, and Kherson. The discussions focused on several pressing issues:
- Duration of deployment;
- Challenges related to operations and withdrawals;
- Logistical support under drone surveillance;
- Personnel shortages and training quality;
- Provision of equipment and drones;
- Moral condition and communication at the front lines.
Fedorov indicated that the ministry’s team has already developed a package of specific changes, including adjustments to the mobilization process and the system of compulsory military service. These changes will also include tailored approaches for stormtroopers and infantry regarding their service terms and financial compensation. He highlighted that these decisions were made in consultation with the soldiers themselves.
The Ukrainian military is working on a demobilization plan that considers various soldier categories, while addressing service terms and compensation. Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has engaged with frontline troops to discuss pressing operational issues and potential changes in military service protocols.