Salaries, demobilization and “combat” contracts: what is known about the new army reform
фото: Генштаб
On May 1, 2026, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced a new stage of army reform, which includes an increase in military salaries, a new system of contracts, and the establishment of service terms. One of the key elements of the reform should be the possibility of demobilization on a contractual basis.
This is reported by “Ukrainian Pravda” .
According to the publication, representatives of the Ministry of Defense, the General Staff, and the Office of the President are working on a comprehensive transformation of the service and mobilization system. However, final decisions have not yet been approved in draft laws or government resolutions.
It is noted that the authorities had already promised to resolve the issue of demobilization by the end of 2023. At that time, the relevant provisions were included in the draft law on mobilization, but before the vote they were excluded after the appeal of the military command due to the risk of weakening the front.
According to the publication’s sources, government officials and the military are currently discussing a model of contractual demobilization . It is planned to introduce 3 types of contracts with fixed terms of service for both active military personnel and new recruits.
“The option not to sign a contract will remain. But contract workers will have clear terms of service : 10 months for active military personnel in combat positions, 14 months for recruits applying for combat positions, 2 years for all other positions – from UAV pilot to media worker,” said the interlocutor of “Ukrainian Pravda”.
It is also reported that mobilized servicemen will be able to sign a contract with guaranteed demobilization and a deferral from re-enlistment . The duration of the deferral is planned to be determined individually.
Separately, within the framework of the reform, changes to the monetary support system are being discussed. The minimum salary of military personnel in the rear is planned to be increased from 20 to 30 thousand hryvnias . In addition, commanders of various levels may receive approximately twice as much payment.
For military personnel performing combat missions, it is proposed to introduce a “10/20/40” reward system. These are additional payments depending on the nature of the combat operations.
“10 thousand per day for being in position. 20 – for strike and search operations. 40 – for active offensive operations,” explained the publication’s interlocutor, involved in developing the reform.
According to him, a serviceman who regularly participates in combat missions can receive from 250 to 400 thousand hryvnias per month . At the same time, it is planned to establish a maximum limit on payments to avoid abuse.
The material notes that the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff must complete the preparation of the work on new contracts by the end of May 2026. The next stage of the reform is planned to be the reboot of territorial recruitment and social support centers.
As you know, Ukraine is starting an army reform that should change approaches to the financial support of the military, the contract system, and the organization of service. The first changes are expected in June.
Subsequently, the People’s Deputy from the “European Solidarity” Oleksiy Honcharenko published information about the draft of new contracts for military personnel , which, according to him, have begun to be sent to Ukrainian military personnel. The draft provides for new payments, financial incentives, and conditions for receiving a deferral after discharge from service.
Also follow “Pryamim” on Facebook , X , Telegram , and Instagram.