On May 1, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the commencement of a military reform in Ukraine, aimed at improving the financial support and management of the armed forces. The key components of this reform were established in April, with military leadership and the government collaborating to define the necessary changes.
Zelensky indicated that detailed agreements on the reform would be finalized in May, with the implementation set to begin in June. Initial outcomes are expected within the same month, particularly concerning the financial remuneration of soldiers, sergeants, and commanders within the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
The president outlined several main objectives of the reform, emphasizing a significant increase in monetary compensation based on principles of fairness. The adjustments in pay will consider frontline combat duties, actual combat experience, and the effectiveness of military personnel.
According to Zelensky, the minimum salary for support roles will be set at 30,000 hryvnias, while combat positions will receive substantially higher payments. He specifically highlighted the need for enhanced compensation for infantry soldiers, stating, “The Ukrainian infantryman, who holds the frontline, must feel that our state truly respects him.” The president directed the establishment of special contracts for infantry personnel, with payments ranging from 250,000 to 400,000 hryvnias, depending on the completion of combat tasks.
Additionally, Zelensky announced plans to revise the recruitment and personnel management approaches within military units. He instructed the strengthening of the contract system in the Defense Forces to ensure defined service terms through an expanded contract component.
This reform is expected to facilitate a phased release of previously mobilized personnel based on clear time criteria. Zelensky also tasked military commanders and the Minister of Defense with discussing the implementation of the reform with frontline commanders, incorporating their feedback into the reform’s details.
He anticipates a report next week outlining specific steps for the reform’s execution, including a timeline for increased payments starting in June and an updated contract system. Recently, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, announced a mandatory rotation order for servicemen engaged in frontline operations.
Ukraine's military reform, announced by President Zelensky, aims to enhance soldier compensation and management structures. Key changes include increased pay for infantry and a stronger contract system for personnel.