The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has announced significant changes to the Armed Forces, detailing new compensation structures and contract terms for military personnel. These updates were revealed following President Zelensky’s announcement on June 12.
Increased Military Compensation
The monthly pay for military personnel will see notable increases:
- 30,000 hryvnias for support roles such as logistics and clerical staff stationed away from combat zones;
- 50,000 hryvnias for those in logistics and support roles near the front lines;
- 70,000 hryvnias for soldiers serving in command posts within combat areas;
- 120,000 hryvnias for drone pilots, operators, artillery, and electronic warfare specialists on active duty.
Infantry and assault troops could earn up to 300,000 hryvnias. Additional pay will be calculated based on operational roles: 20,000 hryvnias per day for offensive operations, 10,000 for holding positions, and 40,000 for advancing during assaults.
To ensure transparency in payments, the Ministry has introduced a system called Mission Control, aimed at confirming personnel presence at positions for guaranteed payouts, facilitating quicker identification of injured or deceased soldiers for evacuation, and enhancing overall unit management. More than 160 metrics have been established to monitor anomalies in personnel losses, equipment, territory control, combat readiness, and recruitment timelines.
Commanders of combat units will see their salaries double, with brigade commanders earning up to 150,000 hryvnias and corps commanders up to 230,000 hryvnias.
New Contract Terms for Military Personnel
Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov outlined the new contract system, which features clear terms and service durations:
- 14-month infantry-assault contracts for civilians, 10 months for active military, and a minimum of 6 months for veterans;
- 24-month combat contracts for drone pilots, artillery specialists, and other combat roles;
- 24-month basic contracts for other service areas with options for support roles.
Each contract includes a guaranteed deferral of at least 6 months, with the deferral calculated based on service duration and time spent in combat. For example, one month of frontline service counts as three months of deferral.
As stated by Minister Fedorov, if an infantry soldier has served for 10 months, with 4 months in combat, they would receive a year and a half of deferral. Previous military experience also contributes to additional rest time.
General Oleksandr Syrskyi noted that by the end of 2026, a gradual release from service will begin for those who have spent the most time in combat positions.
Automated Transfers and Return Program
Transfers within the military will become fully automated through the Army+ app, with decisions made within 30 days. Each soldier can utilize this transfer option once a year.
Transfers will be allowed within the front line area, permitting 50 personnel from a brigade or regiment and 10 from a separate battalion to move to another unit within six months. After a transfer, soldiers cannot move again within the same timeframe.
A voluntary return project for service members will be available until September 20, 2026, allowing those who had previously left to choose their unit. This option is available for those with recorded service until June 11, 2026. The Ministry has indicated that stricter measures against desertion will be implemented after this date.
Additionally, the Ministry aims to recruit foreign nationals into assault and infantry units, with plans for up to 50% of these roles to be filled by foreign legionnaires. Private recruitment firms are tasked with screening and transporting new recruits to Ukraine, receiving compensation for each individual who joins the military.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has announced new compensation structures and contract terms for military personnel, including significant pay increases and automated transfer processes. These changes aim to enhance transparency and operational efficiency within the Armed Forces.