Ukrainian military officials have reacted to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s announcement regarding increased pay for service members and the introduction of new contracts with defined terms. This announcement has sparked a range of opinions within the military community, reflecting both optimism and skepticism.
Igor Lutsenko, a commander of a drone operator unit and a former member of the Ukrainian parliament, expressed caution regarding these changes. He noted that the specifics of the proposed reforms have yet to be formalized through legal documents. “We have not seen any regulatory acts or budget changes that would support these announcements,” Lutsenko stated. He emphasized the need for clarity on how these new payments will be funded and how the military will manage personnel rotations and rest periods for soldiers after their contracts end.
“If we are entering into these contracts, where will the funding come from? On what legal basis will this money be allocated? And if those who have served for ten months can take a break, how will this be managed? Who will fill the gaps left by those who have been serving for four or five years?” he added.
While Lutsenko remained cautious, Brigadier General Oleksandr Bakulin, commander of the 19th Army Corps, viewed the proposed pay increases positively. He noted that the issue of military compensation has been pressing for some time. Bakulin pointed out that even service members who are not on the front lines face financial challenges, particularly if they have families to support.
“Even those of our servicemen who perform tasks in the rear, who do not receive combat pay, find their salaries inadequate for a decent living. This is indeed a problem, especially for those with families and children,” Bakulin remarked.
Bakulin also supported the idea of increasing pay for infantry and assault troops, highlighting their critical role in combat operations. He argued that those who take the most risks should receive the highest compensation.
“It is right that a soldier who risks their life the most should earn more than a general. This is how it should be. The one who is willing to go into battle and perform the most dangerous tasks deserves the highest pay,” he stated.
He also endorsed the concept of new contracts for infantry and assault troops, emphasizing the importance of having clear terms of service. Bakulin explained that such contracts would provide opportunities for those who wish to engage in essential infantry work, allowing them to plan their futures more effectively.
“This type of contract gives a chance to those who want to do important infantry work. It allows for clear planning and execution of tasks, and the opportunity to transition back to civilian life afterward,” he noted.
However, Bakulin acknowledged that the new conditions might not immediately attract a significant influx of new recruits. He pointed out that after four years of conflict, most of those willing to serve have already enlisted.
“I cannot say whether this will lead to a significant increase in contract personnel. Perhaps not, as those who were most motivated have likely already joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Nonetheless, it is a positive step,” he concluded.
The discussion also touched on the potential for foreign recruits in infantry and assault units. Bakulin mentioned that while he could not specify which countries might contribute, there are already citizens from Colombia serving in the Ukrainian military.
Meanwhile, Anatoliy “Kupol,” commander of the 53rd Separate Mechanized Brigade, raised concerns about the proposed reforms, noting that many unresolved issues remain. He questioned how different types of combat actions would be classified and compensated.
“There are many questions here. For instance, how do we differentiate between an infantry assault soldier, an airborne assault soldier, and a marine assault soldier? They all perform similar roles in combat,” Kupol stated.
He warned that the proposed pay structure could lead to inequities and corruption, as the amount of compensation might depend on how commanders document soldiers’ participation in combat.
“Who will decide how this is documented? This could lead to more corruption, as it will depend on how commanders report their soldiers’ actions,” he cautioned.
Kupol described the current proposal as “raw” and “underdeveloped,” emphasizing that the system must account for various factors, including service conditions, injuries, and personnel rotations.
“It is unjust. A soldier in a support role might earn thirty thousand, while another who is on the front line could be compensated differently. How will this be regulated? What about the wounded? If a soldier is injured and removed from duty, what will they receive?” he questioned.
Despite his criticisms, Kupol acknowledged that the movement towards increased compensation is a positive development.
“It is encouraging that there is movement in this direction. Any increase in pay is a positive step. I believe this system will be refined over time,” he said.
He further stressed that while financial incentives are important, they should not be the sole motivating factor. The military also requires quality training, a transparent service record, and consideration of soldiers’ specialties, ranks, ages, and health conditions.
Kupol expressed skepticism about the division of contracts into support, combat, and infantry-assault categories, arguing that contracts should instead be differentiated by the duration of service. He noted that military roles can shift rapidly depending on the situation at the front.
“Contracts are great. Previously, there were only short-term contracts for those who wanted to serve for six months. We should not categorize contracts by position; we should categorize them by time: six months, one year, two years. A soldier can be in a support role today and in a combat role tomorrow,” he stated.
In summary, while there is a general consensus on the need for reform and increased compensation, significant concerns remain regarding the specifics of implementation and the potential for unintended consequences.
On June 12, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced that the Ministry of Defense is preparing a reform aimed at establishing clearer terms of service and increasing military pay. She indicated that details would be presented in the coming weeks. Following the President’s announcement, the Ministry of Defense provided further insights into the planned transformation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including specifics on contract terms and compensation.
The Ukrainian military is responding to President Zelensky's proposed reforms for increased pay and new contracts. While some officials express cautious optimism, concerns about implementation and potential inequities remain prevalent.