“Contract 18-24” instead of mobilization: the experiment in “Reserve” has started
12 February 2025 14:16
An updated version of the Reserve app has been released, which already allows you to apply for a voluntary one-year contract under the Ministry of Defense’s Contract 18-24 project. This was announced by the Ministry of Defense, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
As explained in the defense ministry, the update is already available for iOS and Android.
In the app, you can find vacancies, read the terms of service and the list of brigades for signing the “Contract 18-24”.
As the Ministry of Defense reminded, the “Contract 18-24” is a voluntary opportunity for citizens aged 18-24 to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine for 1 year with an extended financial and social package.
What is promised to young contractors
After signing a one-year contract, mandatory intensive training for 3 months is required. After 1 year of the contract, a 1-year exemption from conscription is guaranteed.
The special website where you can apply for service emphasizes that such a contract allows citizens aged 18 to 24 to receive competitive payments, prestigious experience and social guarantees that are not available in civilian life in just 1 year.
What is promised to those who sign such a contract?
– uAH 1,000,000 (UAH 200,000 immediately upon signing the contract, and UAH 800,000 in two installments for the duration of the contract);
– An additional UAH 120,000 per month for combat missions;
– Choice of unit and specialty;
– Compensation for housing during service;
– Medical support for dentistry and dental prosthetics;
– Mortgage at 0.0% per annum after the end of the contract (“eOselya”);
– Free transportation and utility benefits;
– Education in educational institutions within the quotas at the expense of the state, after the end of the contract;
– The right to travel abroad after 1 year of service.
– The right to choose the place of the preliminary vetting.
As you know, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the procedure for concluding contracts for one year for volunteers aged 18 to 24 years. As explained by the Ministry of Defense, “a 1-year contract for volunteers aged 18 to 24 provides for basic general military training, professional training and adaptation course in a military unit, as well as a number of financial and social benefits.
As a reminder, Ukraine’s international partners have repeatedly called on the Ukrainian authorities to lower the mobilization age. In response, the President of Ukraine has repeatedly stated that Ukraine sees no reason for such changes and considers them dangerous at this time. Instead, it was decided to encourage Ukrainians aged 18 to 24 to serve in the military and to develop a special contract for them.
