Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced a reform package for the Armed Forces featuring significant salary increases and updated service contracts.
These changes aim to transform the military's structure to improve soldier retention and remuneration during the ongoing war. The government is shifting its mobilization policy to better sustain long-term operations while addressing the needs of active personnel.
Under the new plan, infantry salaries will rise to a maximum of 300,000 Ukrainian hryvnias per month [1]. This financial adjustment is part of a broader effort to modernize the compensation system for those serving on the front lines.
The ministry is also introducing new service contract lengths of 10 months and 14 months [2]. These specific terms are designed to provide more clarity and structure to military service obligations. Fedorov said these contracts may be available to those who have already been mobilized.
Implementation of many of these reforms was slated to begin in June 2024 [1]. The package also includes a postponed demobilization schedule to ensure the army maintains necessary troop levels during critical phases of the conflict.
Fedorov detailed these measures during an exclusive interview with the Ukrainian TV channel TSN. He said the reforms represent a fundamental transformation of the Armed Forces to meet current wartime demands [3].
“Infantry salaries will rise to a maximum of 300,000 Ukrainian hryvnias per month.”
By combining aggressive pay increases with shorter, defined contract terms, Ukraine is attempting to professionalize its wartime force. Moving away from indefinite mobilization toward specific 10- and 14-month windows may help reduce soldier burnout and improve recruitment, while the delayed demobilization ensures that the military does not lose experienced personnel before replacements are fully trained.
