On June 12, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced a significant reform package aimed at transforming military service in Ukraine. This initiative marks the beginning of what officials describe as the largest overhaul of military service in the nation’s history.
The first phase of this reform introduces a new contract system designed to clarify terms and conditions for service members. Key components include:
- A 14-month infantry assault contract for civilians, a 10-month contract for active military personnel, and a six-month contract for former service members.
- A 24-month combat contract for drone pilots, artillery specialists, and other combat roles.
- A 24-month basic contract for various service areas, allowing for support roles.
Each contract guarantees a six-month deferment, which is calculated based on the duration of service and time spent in combat positions. For instance, a month served in combat under the infantry assault contract translates to three months of deferment. A soldier with ten months of service, including four months in combat, would receive a total deferment of 18 months. Previous military experience, including service prior to the full-scale invasion, will also be considered when determining deferment periods.
Fedorov emphasized that both current military personnel and civilians can sign the new contracts, and existing contract soldiers may transition to the new terms. The reform also aims to significantly increase salaries for infantry soldiers, with average monthly wages projected to reach around 300,000 hryvnias (approximately $7,000). The maximum salary could rise to 460,000 hryvnias, reflecting the high-risk nature of infantry roles.
Additionally, the reform includes a new system called Mission Control, intended to monitor the workload and position status of soldiers in real-time, ensuring equitable compensation for combat duties. Fedorov noted that salaries for commanders of combat units and their deputies will also double, with a corps commander potentially earning around 230,000 hryvnias monthly.
Earlier on the same day, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced plans to increase military pay, stating that there are resources available to raise salaries, with a minimum of 30,000 hryvnias for those not on the front lines. He indicated that compensation would be tied to the level of combat engagement, with infantry soldiers on the front lines receiving the highest pay. Zelensky reiterated that the success of Ukraine’s military largely depends on its infantry.
The current base salary for soldiers not engaged in frontline duties is just over 20,000 hryvnias. According to the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, the average salary for regular employees is approximately 30,515 hryvnias, indicating that military pay has not kept pace with the national average.
On May 1, President Zelensky announced the commencement of military reforms, emphasizing the need to significantly enhance financial compensation based on fairness principles. He instructed officials to improve the recruitment and management processes within the armed forces, aiming to establish clear service timelines and facilitate the gradual release of previously mobilized personnel based on defined criteria.
Ukraine's Defense Minister has announced a comprehensive military reform aimed at enhancing service conditions, including new contract terms and significant salary increases for soldiers. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to improving the military's operational effectiveness and addressing compensation disparities.