Zelenskyy orders strengthening of contract system to define terms of service and release of mobilized personnel

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ordered the strengthening of the contract system within the Defense Forces to ensure defined terms of service and allow for the phased release of personnel who were mobilized earlier. The expansion of the contract component aims to provide a path for the discharge of these service members starting as early as this year, based on clear time-based criteria. Zelenskyy instructed the military command and Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov to discuss the implementation of these changes with combat commanders to incorporate their practical insights into the reform’s details.

The president stated that all key details of the army reform will be finalized in May. The reform is scheduled to launch in June, and the first results, particularly regarding financial support for soldiers, sergeants, and commanders, should be visible that same month. Zelenskyy set a task to significantly increase financial compensation based on the principle of fairness, where combat missions on the front line, real combat and management experience, and overall efficiency must guarantee higher payments.

The head of state declared that the minimum pay level should be at least 30,000 hryvnias for rear positions, while pay for combat positions should be several times higher. Furthermore, there must be a dignified and increased level of payments for Ukrainian commanders, combat sergeants, and officers. Zelenskyy also ordered the implementation of special contracts specifically for infantrymen with payments ranging from 250,000 to 400,000 hryvnias depending on the performance of combat missions.

"Next week, I expect a report on specific steps in the implementation of the reform, particularly regarding the schedule of increased payments starting from June and the system of updated contracts," Zelenskyy said.