Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that a significant military reform will commence in June 2026. The initiative aims to enhance soldiers’ salaries, introduce special contracts for infantry members with payments ranging from 250,000 to 400,000 hryvnias, and implement new strategies for personnel management.
In a recent Telegram post, Zelensky outlined that key aspects of the reform were agreed upon in April, with military leadership and the government collaborating to establish a framework for the changes. Detailed plans are expected to be finalized in May.
“The reform will kick off in June, and we anticipate initial outcomes, particularly in terms of financial support for soldiers, sergeants, and commanders of Ukraine’s Defense Forces,” Zelensky stated.
The president emphasized the need to significantly increase financial compensation based on fairness principles. He noted that combat roles on the front lines, along with real combat and managerial experience, should lead to higher pay.
“The minimum salary should not be less than 30,000 hryvnias for rear positions. For combat roles, the compensation should be substantially higher. Ukrainian commanders, combat sergeants, and officers deserve a worthy and noticeably increased level of pay,” he added.
Special attention will be given to infantry soldiers, with Zelensky directing the establishment of specific contracts that would provide payments between 250,000 and 400,000 hryvnias, contingent on the completion of combat tasks.
Additionally, the reform will focus on revising how units are staffed and managed. Zelensky has instructed to strengthen the contract system within the Defense Forces, aiming to ensure defined service periods and a phased release of previously mobilized personnel based on clear timelines starting this year.
“I have tasked the military command and the Minister of Defense to discuss the implementation of the reform with our combat commanders and to incorporate their suggestions into the reform’s details. I expect a report next week on specific steps for the reform’s execution, including the schedule for increased payments starting in June and the updated contract system,” he concluded.
President Zelensky has laid out plans for a military reform in Ukraine set to begin in June 2026, focusing on increased salaries and new contracts for soldiers. The initiative aims to enhance personnel management and provide better financial support for military personnel.