Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that a dedicated team will finalize proposals for military reform by May, aiming for noticeable changes to be implemented by June. This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance the operational capabilities and welfare of the armed forces amid ongoing conflict.
In his evening address on May 1, Zelensky highlighted several steps already taken to support military brigades, including a direct funding program that has been effective since last year. He noted that the reforms will also ensure a guaranteed monthly replenishment of personnel for combat brigades, a significant change aimed at improving troop readiness.
The President emphasized the importance of streamlining personnel transfers within the military, which is part of the ongoing reform process. He stated, “The task now is to finalize everything in May so that changes are evident from June this year.” This timeline reflects an urgent need to adapt the military structure to current demands.
Zelensky has tasked the Minister of Defense and military leadership to discuss reform details with combat commanders, ensuring that strong proposals from the field are considered. He also addressed salary increases for military personnel, stating that those in support roles will receive no less than 30,000 hryvnias per month, while combat positions will see significantly higher compensation.
“There will be a substantial increase in the financial support for our combat commanders, sergeants, officers, battalion commanders, brigade commanders, and corps commanders,” Zelensky remarked.
Additionally, the President introduced a new approach concerning the duration of service, emphasizing the moral imperative to start discharging personnel who were mobilized earlier. He stressed that all aspects of the military reform must be finalized by the end of May, including relevant documents, regulations, and financial arrangements.
Prior to this announcement, Zelensky had directed that military salaries be significantly increased, ensuring fairness in compensation. This includes implementing special contracts for infantry soldiers, with payments ranging from 250,000 to 400,000 hryvnias based on the fulfillment of combat tasks.
- The President also indicated a shift in how personnel are assigned to defense units and managed within the military.
- Earlier, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, issued an order for mandatory rotations of soldiers engaged at the front lines.
- In late March, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced that the Ministry of Defense was preparing changes to the mobilization process, addressing issues related to unauthorized departures from units, and specific approaches for assault troops and infantry regarding service duration and financial support.
President Zelensky has outlined a plan for military reform in Ukraine, with significant changes expected by June. The reforms aim to enhance personnel management and increase financial support for military personnel amid ongoing conflict.