Photo: 115th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine / Facebook
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine will launch a major military reform starting in June, following final coordination of key changes in May between the government and military command.
The reform is expected to produce early results in June, particularly in soldiers’ financial support and the pay system for sergeants and commanders.
Zelenskyy ordered a “significant increase” in military salaries based on fairness — taking into account frontline deployment, combat experience, command responsibilities, and effectiveness. He said the minimum salary for rear positions should be at least 30,000 UAH, while frontline troops will receive significantly higher pay. Commanders, sergeants, and officers will also see increased compensation.
Special contracts are planned for infantry, which remains the core of the armed forces. Depending on combat tasks, monthly payments could range from 250,000 to 400,000 UAH.
The reform also includes changes to personnel policy, with stronger contract-based service and clearer terms of service, as well as a phased demobilization process starting this year, primarily for long-serving мобілізовані soldiers.
Zelenskyy instructed the military leadership and Defence Ministry to coordinate implementation details with battlefield commanders and present a concrete roadmap, including a schedule for increased payments beginning in June.
