Ukraine: President Zelenskyy to significantly increase soldiers' pay

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has unveiled a crucial initiative to bolster the morale and well-being of Ukraine's defenders by significantly increasing their pay and implementing comprehensive reforms to the military service system. This move, announced via Telegram, signals a commitment to improving the conditions for those on the front lines and throughout the armed forces.

The planned reforms include a more equitable pay structure, a new contract system with defined service periods, and a transparent rotation policy. These measures are designed to address long-standing issues and provide greater clarity and fairness for soldiers. The specifics are slated for development in May, with the aim of beginning implementation in June, and initial results expected the same month.

Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov described the changes as a "systemic transformation" of the army. Notably, payments for combat missions will see substantial increases, reflecting the risks and experiences of soldiers in active combat zones. For instance, soldiers serving in rear areas could see their pay rise by nearly 50 percent, to approximately 400 euros. Infantry soldiers engaged in combat could receive more than triple the current front-line bonuses, which currently stand at just over 1900 euros.

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die Soldzahlungen spürbar zu erhöhen

While Zelenskyy did not detail the funding for these increased expenditures, the European Union recently released a 90 billion euro loan, which reports suggest can be used to directly finance the Ukrainian army. The reforms also include provisions for the gradual discharge of soldiers who were mobilized earlier in the conflict, addressing concerns about indefinite service periods and lack of rotation that have plagued the army since the 2022 Russian invasion.

This announcement arrives at a critical juncture in the protracted war with Russia. The Ukrainian army faces a numerical disadvantage, and recruitment has become more challenging amidst reports of inadequate training and aggressive conscription tactics. The government's efforts to reform these processes, including ending forceful mobilizations, are central to maintaining the nation's defense capabilities.

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eine systemischen Transformation