Ukraine Developing New Military Contract System with Fixed Terms, Demobilization, and Increased Pay

Ukraine is developing a new military contract system to address the lack of defined service terms and demobilization pathways for soldiers. This reform, reported by Ukrainska Pravda, aims to introduce fixed service terms, individualized demobilization conditions, and a new financial compensation model.

The Ministry of Defense, General Staff, and Office of the President have agreed on a concept for contract-based military service with guaranteed demobilization. The draft proposes three contract types: 10 months for current combat servicemembers, 14 months for new combat recruits, and up to 2 years for other roles like UAV operators and support specialists. Servicemembers will choose their field.

Mobilized personnel can switch to a contract with guaranteed demobilization and deferment until the next draft cycle. The option to serve without a contract remains. Salaries will increase, with minimum pay for rear positions rising from $456 to $684, and command position compensation approximately doubling.

Combat contracts will include a «10/20/40» reward system: $228 per day for combat positions, $456 for strike/search operations, and $911 for active offensive actions. An infantry soldier continuously performing combat tasks could receive $5,700 to $9,100 monthly. A maximum payout cap will be introduced. These initiatives are still being refined but are expected to be finalized by the Ministry of Defense and General Staff by month-end for Cabinet of Ministers approval.