In Ukraine, the army offers fixed-term contracts to attract volunteers

One way to respond to the workforce crisis. Since Monday June 15, the Ukrainian army has been offering new fixed-term contracts with a guaranteed demobilization period, while the Russian invasion of the country continues. “Starting today, civilians, mobilized personnel, active combatants and military personnel already serving under contract can sign new contracts”declared on Telegram by the Ukrainian Minister of Defense, Mykhailo Fedorov. “The new contracts provide clear conditions of service, reprieves [de mobilisation] guaranteed after the end of the service, a new financial support system, more predictability and control over one’s personal service.”

With contracts of six, 10 or 14 months for front-line fighters, and 24 months for other positions, the Ukrainian army is trying to attract volunteers rather than depending on the very unpopular mobilization. The signatories of these new contracts, who thus escape the indefinite-term contracts offered until now, are guaranteed a minimum of six months of demobilization at the end of their service.

The reform, announced at the beginning of May by President Volodymyr Zelensky, also includes an increase in salaries: a monthly minimum of 30,000 hryvnias (around 580 euros) for non-combatant positions, compared to 20,000 hryvnias (390 euros) until now. Those fighting on the front lines can now count on a monthly salary of up to 460,000 hryvnias per month (around 8,840 euros). Currently, a soldier fighting on the front for a month receives a payment of 170,000 hryvnias (3,300 euros) in addition to the minimum wage.