Payments of up to 400,000 UAH and demobilisation: Zelenskyy announces army reform

A radical change to the conditions of military service is in the pipeline in Ukraine. The government has promised to raise the minimum salary for rear-line personnel to 30,000 hryvnias, as well as to introduce special contracts for infantrymen offering bonuses of up to 400,000 hryvnias. Find out when these changes will come into effect and how demobilisation will take place

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A major reform of the Ukrainian army is set to begin, aimed at improving service conditions and financial support. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the changes will include pay rises for both support and combat roles, the introduction of special contracts for infantry personnel with bonuses of up to 400,000 hryvnias, and a phased demobilisation.

According to Zelenskyy, he expects a report next week outlining specific steps for implementing the reform.

The first elements of the reform could come into effect as early as June.

Army reform in Ukraine: details

The army reform entails a significant increase in financial support and new service conditions. The minimum wage in rear areas will be 30,000 hryvnias, payments on the front line will increase significantly, and infantrymen will be able to receive up to 400,000 hryvnias in bonuses under special contracts. A phased demobilisation of previously conscripted soldiers is also planned.

What will the wages be for soldiers in rear areas and on the front line?

Soldiers’ pay will rise significantly both at the front and in the rear. For rear-line posts, a minimum pay threshold of at least 30,000 hryvnias has been set. Pay for those in combat positions is set to increase several-fold. A similar increase will apply to commanders, combat sergeants and officers, who will receive a decent and significantly higher level of pay.

Exact figures for the front line have not yet been announced, but Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has stated that a fair pay model will be introduced.

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How to earn 400,000 hryvnias on an infantry contract?

Special contracts are being developed for infantrymen, offering significant financial bonuses. Infantry personnel can expect payments ranging from 250,000 to 400,000 hryvnias.

The final amount of this bonus will depend directly on the completion of specific combat tasks. As part of the reform, the contract system will be strengthened and expanded. It will have clear terms of service and a straightforward rotation system. Approaches to manning units and personnel management will also change.

When will demobilisation begin in Ukraine?

The process of phased discharge from service for those who were previously mobilised is planned to begin as early as 2026. Demobilisation will be carried out on the basis of clear time criteria.

It is not yet known who exactly will be discharged first and what specifically this will depend on. However, the introduction of new approaches to service should ensure the transparency of this process.

Reminder! Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi has introduced new rotation rules: service on the front line is now limited to a specific period. Find out the maximum length of time soldiers can spend on the front line.

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