Ukraine proceeds with a thorough reform of its army, with fairer remuneration

Main Information

• The Ukrainian army will undergo a profound reform, with an increase in soldiers’ salaries based on their combat experience and effectiveness.
• The new system is shifting towards a contract service to clarify conditions and make the length of service more visible.
• These reforms aim to create a more equitable and sustainable army, capable of meeting the challenges faced by Ukrainian troops on the front lines.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a comprehensive reform of the country’s armed forces, focusing on a significant increase in soldier salaries and a restructuring of recruitment and service rules. The reform, set to be implemented in June, aims to create a more equitable and sustainable military system.

Fair Remuneration

Zelensky emphasized that salary increases would be based on principles of fairness, taking into account factors such as completed combat missions, actual combat experience, and overall effectiveness.

The minimum salary for non-combat roles will be set at 30,000 hryvnias (about $680). Infantry troops, who are on the front lines of combat, will receive significantly higher remuneration, ranging from 250,000 to 400,000 hryvnias (about $5,600 to $9,000) based on mission accomplishments.

The reform also addresses concerns related to recruitment and service conditions. Zelensky expressed a desire to expand the contract service, offering soldiers clearer conditions and more predictable service lengths. This change aims to create a system to gradually mobilize soldiers previously mobilized according to defined schedules, starting this year.

Ongoing Transformation

Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov highlighted the government’s work since January to transform recruitment and service conditions. He presented key elements of the reform, including a fair remuneration model, a new contract system with clear service conditions, and a transparent rotation policy for better staffing of units.

Zelensky expects a detailed report outlining concrete measures and a timetable for increasing payments starting in June. This announcement comes as concerns grow about the difficult conditions facing Ukrainian troops on the front lines, especially infantry units dealing with personnel shortages and constant threats of enemy attacks. The reforms aim to address these issues and ensure a more sustainable and effective military force.

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