Ukraine to Begin Demobilizing Long-Serving Troops by Year’s End
A serviceman of the National Police Special Purpose Battalion walks at a position in a front line, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near the town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk region, Ukraine November 20, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has announced the first phase of a broader transformation of the Defense Forces, including the gradual demobilization of some service members by the end of the year. Priority will be given to troops who have served continuously since 2014 or 2022 and have spent the longest periods in frontline combat roles.
This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Defense.
The department stated that for the first time in the Ukrainian army, a principle is being introduced according to which the level of payments and deferrals will depend on the level of risk that a serviceman bears while performing tasks.
The Ministry of Defense noted that, on the instructions of the President of Ukraine, by the end of 2026, the gradual release of servicemen who have been serving since 2014 and 2022 will begin. First of all, this will apply to servicemen with the longest service years and the greatest time spent in combat conditions.
The department also reported that the resolutions adopted by the government are awaiting signing and official publication. After publication, the documents will enter into force.
The Ministry of Defense explained that the first stage of the transformation involves strengthening the first line of defense and basic financial support for servicemen. In particular, the basic financial support was increased from 20 thousand to 30 thousand hryvnias due to a logistics allowance of 10 thousand hryvnias.
The department noted that servicemen who are inpatients after being injured will retain combat pay in the amount of 100,000 hryvnias per month. Such payments can be accrued for 12 months of continuous treatment.
The Ministry of Defense also announced that a serviceman may, upon his own request, remain in a combat military unit after being injured. This possibility is provided for by current regulations and a new experimental resolution.
The department emphasized that the new contracts provide not only for an updated payment system but also for clear terms of service and guaranteed deferrals based on servicemen’s combat experience.
“According to the president’s instructions, by the end of the year, the gradual release of those who have been serving since 2014 and 2022 will begin. First of all, this will concern servicemen with the greatest years of service and the greatest time spent on combat duty. A contract army with clear rules is not only justice. This is a stronger position for Ukraine,” the department noted.
By the way, the minister of defense of Ukraine, Mykhailo Fedorov, announced the launch of a simplified mechanism for the return of servicemen after leaving the unit without permission through the “Army+” application. Servicemen can independently choose a new unit and go through the return procedure without unnecessary bureaucracy.
Recall that the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine announced a comprehensive transformation of military service, which includes new contracts with clear deadlines, increased payments, and guaranteed deferrals upon completion of service. The changes also include automatic transfer between units and simplified return of servicemen who voluntarily left the service.
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