Photo: Getty Images
Ukraine’s military personnel have reportedly begun receiving drafts of new service contracts previously announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Defense Ministry. MP Oleksii Honcharenko, who reviewed the proposals, revealed details about possible salary increases, bonuses, and demobilization terms.
The new contracts envisage a revised financial incentive system. Base monthly pay for enlisted soldiers could start from 30,000 hryvnias, with an annual contract bonus of 27,000 hryvnias and an additional 10,000 hryvnias per month for signing a contract.
Combat-related rewards may also be introduced, including 250,000 hryvnias for capturing enemy troops, 25,000 for eliminating enemy forces, 40,000 per day for capturing positions, 20,000 per day for restoring positions, and 8,700 per day for missions on the frontline.
The contracts would also include fixed service terms and guaranteed demobilization. One-year contracts are expected to be available only for current soldiers serving in combat companies, while contracts of two years or longer could be offered to all categories, including civilians.
Re-signing contracts is expected to take place in three stages. The first phase would involve infantry, assault, airborne, marine, and special operations units. The second would cover other combat formations, including naval, artillery, aviation, and air defense units. The final stage would include logistics, medical units, territorial recruitment centers, and military educational institutions.
According to Honcharenko, soldiers who sign contracts for two years or more could receive deferments from future mobilization after demobilization. One month spent performing combat missions may grant up to three months of deferment.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian media report that the contracts could come in three versions: 10 months for current combat soldiers, 14 months for new recruits entering combat roles, and two years for all other personnel. Previous time served would reportedly not count toward the new contract term, although it could affect the length of mobilization deferment granted afterward.
Additional reports suggest commanders’ salaries could double, while a new “10/20/40” combat reward system may be introduced: 10,000 hryvnias per day for holding positions, 20,000 for assault and clearing operations, and 40,000 for active offensive actions.
The Defense Ministry and General Staff are expected to finalize the contract reform package by the end of May. The changes are planned to be implemented through government resolutions.
Earlier, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi issued an order limiting soldiers’ time on frontline “zero positions” to no more than two months at a time.
