The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has announced plans to begin the gradual release of military personnel who have served the longest by the end of 2026. This initiative, directed by President Volodymyr Zelensky, targets those who have been in service since 2014 and 2022.
The priority for demobilization will be given to service members with the most extended tenure and those who have spent significant time on the front lines. This approach aims to alleviate the burden on personnel who have faced prolonged deployment.
In early May 2026, President Zelensky outlined a phased demobilization strategy, instructing the military to enhance the contract system. This reform is intended to facilitate the release of mobilized personnel based on clear temporal criteria.
Subsequently, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, provided further details on the reform. For existing service members, a new contract of ten months will be proposed, alongside plans to establish a minimum salary for military personnel at 30,000 hryvnias.
The Ukrainian government plans to start releasing long-serving military personnel by 2026, prioritizing those with extensive service records. This initiative is part of a broader reform to enhance the military contract system and improve conditions for service members.