With contracts of 6, 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.
Since Monday, the Ukrainian army has been offering new contracts with a fixed duration and a guaranteed demobilization period as part of a reform to respond to the manpower crisis as the war against Russia continues. “Starting today (Monday), 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, guaranteed reprieves (mobilization) after the end of service, a new system of financial support, more predictability and control over one’s personal service.”he added.
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With contracts of 6, 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 to continue to face the full-scale Russian invasion entering its fifth year. year. The signatories of these new contracts, who thus escape the indefinite-term contracts offered until now, are also guaranteed a minimum of six months of demobilization at the end of their service.
Increase in salaries
The reform, announced in early May by President Volodymyr Zelensky, also includes an increase in salaries: a monthly minimum of 30,000 hryvnias (around 580 euros) for non-combat positions, compared to 20,000 hryvnias (390 euros) until now, according to the details published Friday on the website of the Ministry of Defense. Those fighting on the front lines can now also 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.
At the start of the Russian invasion in 2022, volunteers flocked to recruitment offices. Today, almost all new recruits are mobilized, an extremely sensitive subject in the country, with many Ukrainians deeming the system unfair, corrupt and inefficient.
The Ministry of Defense also indicates the upcoming establishment of a temporary system allowing deserters, who are very numerous, to reintegrate the army via an accelerated procedure with advantages, particularly financial.
