Pay raises, fixed terms, and more foreigners: Ukraine announces landmark military service reforms
The Kyiv Independent • • world
Key Points:
- President Volodymyr Zelensky announced major reforms to Ukraine's military compensation system, including higher pay, combat bonuses, and fixed-term contracts for infantry and assault personnel to address manpower shortages and low morale.
- Infantry soldiers will receive up to Hr 300,000 ($6,700) per month for frontline service, the highest infantry salary worldwide, while non-combat roles see a base pay increase to Hr 30,000 ($670).
- Fixed contracts of 6-14 months for infantry and assault troops, and 24 months for other combat roles, will be introduced, with a six-month exemption from mobilization after contract completion to improve soldier retention and motivation.
- The reforms also simplify unit transfers via the Armiia+ app and aim to fast-track soldiers returning from AWOL into effective combat units.
- Zelensky is pushing to recruit more foreign volunteers, particularly from Latin America, targeting 30-50% of assault and infantry ranks to be filled by foreigners as part of a broader military transformation.