Military Reform in Ukraine 2026: Pay Raises for Service Members, a New Contract System, and Changes to Mobilization

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense is preparing a two-stage reform: starting in June, pay for infantry soldiers will increase, and a system of contracts and demobilization priority will be introduced. Find out what else will change in mobilization and the military, according to Ministerial Advisor Serhiy Sternenko

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The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense is preparing a large-scale reform that will affect both military pay and the mobilization system. This was announced by Serhiy Sternenko, an advisor to the Minister of Defense.

The reform will consist of two phases, with the first set to begin as early as June 2026.

Read also: Special contracts for IT specialists in the Ukrainian army: what is being discussed at the Ministry of Defense?

Phase One — June: Higher Salaries, Contracts, and Demobilization Order

According to Sternenko, the first phase of the reform will primarily concern pay.

“The first phase will begin in June. It will involve changes to pay. Ukrainian infantrymen will receive significantly more money than they do now,” the advisor stated.

In addition to raising pay for infantrymen, the Ministry of Defense plans to increase pay for all categories of service members.

Another important change in the first stage is the introduction of a genuine contract system. Sternenko emphasized that this is not a formality but a real mechanism. Additionally, there will be an opportunity to be demobilized on a first-come, first-served basis—depending on when a person began their service.

“Those who started earlier will have priority for demobilization,” he explained.

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The second stage—changes to mobilization: no details yet

The second stage of the reform will concern the mobilization system. Sternenko acknowledged that the current state of affairs in this area raises serious questions and promised radical changes—though without specifics.

“Every day I see news about our mobilization, where sometimes it’s just complete chaos that can’t be described or explained using polite language. But there will be very serious changes to mobilization. It will no longer resemble what is happening now. But I won’t disclose any details here. Because for everything to go right, we need to keep quiet until it all begins,“, the advisor said.

Sternenko also announced plans to recruit more foreigners into military service. According to him, army reform is the ”number one priority" for the Ministry of Defense team today.

We remind you! The Territorial Recruitment Centers have stopped accepting applications for deferment from mobilization—now it is extended automatically or through the Administrative Service Centers. Read about which 22 categories are eligible for automatic extension, when the system may not work, and how to apply for a deferment online via Reserve+.

Photo: Bumble-Dee / depositphotos

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