Ukraine is reforming its military payment system to allow assault troops to earn up to 460,000 hryvnia [1].
This shift aims to make contract service more attractive and ensure fair financial compensation for soldiers facing the highest risks on the front lines. By tying pay to specific roles and contract lengths, the government seeks to stabilize personnel levels during the ongoing conflict.
Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said the details of the reform in an interview with TSN [1]. Under the new system, the salary for an infantry soldier could reach 300,000 hryvnia [1]. For those serving as assault troops, the maximum payment may rise to 460,000 hryvnia [1].
Fedorov said the reform is designed to provide "fair" financial security for military personnel [1]. The plan involves the introduction of new contract terms, specifically 10-month, 14-month, and 24-month agreements [1].
Similar goals were echoed by MP Oleksiy Kravchenko, who said the government plans to raise the maximum salary for service members to 460,000 hryvnia [2]. The move represents a significant increase in potential earnings for specialized combat roles, a strategy to incentivize volunteers and professionalize the force.
These payments are structured to reward the most dangerous assignments. The disparity between infantry and assault pay reflects the differing levels of risk associated with offensive operations compared to standard infantry duties [1].
“"The salary of an infantryman can reach 300 thousand hryvnias, and an assault soldier — up to 460 thousand hryvnias."”
This reform signals a shift toward a more professionalized, incentive-based military structure. By offering substantial financial rewards for high-risk roles like assault troops, Ukraine is attempting to address manpower shortages and combat fatigue without relying solely on mobilization. The introduction of tiered contract lengths suggests a move toward more flexible personnel management to maintain operational readiness over the long term.
