Ukraine reforms military recruitment, offers fixed contracts and high salaries

Ukraine is overhauling its military recruitment system, introducing contracts with attractive pay and clearly defined service periods to entice new recruits.

This reform replaces the previous indefinite service obligation, where mobilized men were expected to fight until the conflict with Russia concluded. The change comes after years of reported personnel shortages and low morale within the Ukrainian armed forces. While initial recruitment surged after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, recent reports indicate that most new personnel are conscripts, and the army has grappled with significant desertion issues.

Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation, stated on social media that the new contracts provide "clear service terms, guaranteed demobilization upon completion of service, a new financial support system, and greater predictability and control over one's service career." Starting June 15, active-duty soldiers and citizens can sign contracts ranging from six to 24 months, with guaranteed demobilization considered based on prior service and combat experience.

Details on how this system will be implemented in practice remain unclear. However, the new contracts offer substantial financial incentives for frontline assault units, with monthly salaries potentially reaching 460,000 hryvnia (approximately $11,500 USD) for those in the highest-risk deployments, compared to an average of 300,000 hryvnia (around $7,500 USD).

“

New contracts provide clear service terms, guaranteed demobilization upon completion of service, a new financial support system, and greater predictability and control over one's service career.