Zelenskyy announced the launch of military reform: what changes are planned
1 May 18:13
As part of the upcoming military reform, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ordered a “significant increase in pay for Ukrainian servicemen,” taking into account the principle of fairness. He announced this on social media, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
“We are launching military reform. Key areas of the reform were agreed upon in April: the military command and the government have determined the formula for the changes. Now, in May, all key details will be finalized. The reform will launch in June, and the first results should be visible as early as June, particularly regarding the financial support for soldiers, sergeants, and commanders of the Ukrainian Defense Forces,” Zelenskyy wrote.
The issue of financial support
According to him, the first task is to significantly increase financial support based on the principle of fairness, namely: combat duties on the front lines, actual combat and leadership experience, and a servicemember’s effectiveness must guarantee higher pay.
“The minimum level should be no less than 30,000 hryvnias for rear-echelon positions. For combat positions—several times higher. For Ukrainian commanders, combat sergeants, and officers—a decent and significantly increased level of pay,” the President stated.
According to Zelenskyy, special attention should be paid to infantrymen. The President instructed that special contracts be implemented specifically for Ukrainian infantrymen, with payments ranging from 250,000 to 400,000 hryvnias depending on the fulfillment of combat missions.
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What will happen to terms of service
In addition, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that as part of the army reform, approaches to staffing Defense Forces units and personnel management must be changed.
“I have instructed that the contract system in the Defense Forces be strengthened so that, by expanding the contract component, we can ensure fixed terms of service and the possibility—starting this year—of phased discharge from service for those who were previously mobilized, based on clear time criteria,” the President said.
Furthermore, according to Zelenskyy, he instructed the military command and the Minister of Defense to discuss the implementation of the reform with our combat commanders and to take their suggestions into account when working out the details of the reform.
“Next week, I expect a report on specific steps for implementing the reform, particularly regarding the schedule for increased payments starting in June and the system of updated contracts,” Zelenskyy noted.
As a reminder, in late March, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated that the Ministry of Defense team is preparing changes to the mobilization process, decisions regarding unauthorized absence from duty, as well as specific approaches for assault troops and infantry regarding terms of service and pay.
What is the current situation with payments?
The financial support for Ukrainian defenders in 2026 is based on a combination of stable monthly payments and additional bonuses for performing dangerous tasks. The Ministry of Defense is clarifying the income structure so that every servicemember understands the principles of how funds are calculated.
Financial support is divided into a base component and additional allowances that account for the specific conditions of military service.
Structure of Monthly Guaranteed Payments
This component serves as the financial foundation that the state consistently pays to every service member, regardless of their participation in direct combat on the front lines. Position-based salary. The amount of this payment directly depends on the specific position held by the service member according to the unit’s organizational chart.
Rank-based pay. This is a fixed monetary amount corresponding to the servicemember’s current rank, ranging from private to officer.
Length-of-service allowance. A kind of bonus for dedication to duty, which automatically increases with seniority. It is calculated as a percentage of the sum of the position-based salary and the rank-based salary. The minimum amount is 5 percent, and for experienced specialists with extensive seniority, it can reach 50 percent.
Additional incentive and compensation payments
In addition to their base pay, military personnel receive a number of allowances that take into account the complexity of their work, their level of professionalism, and the conditions in which they serve.
Allowance for the nature of service. One of the most significant components of income, accounting for at least 65 percent of the sum of the base salary, rank-based pay, and seniority pay.
Payments for security restrictions. These are paid to those who have official clearance for state secrets and work under corresponding restrictions.
Qualification-based allowance. Additional funds for a specialist’s confirmedlevel of expertise.
Monthly bonus. A monetary incentive, the amount of which is determined by personal contribution to the service and impeccable adherence to military discipline.
Payments for participation in combat operations
These payments are not part of regular pay but are awarded separately for the actual performance of dangerous tasks during martial law.
- 100,000 hryvnias. Awarded for direct participation in frontline combat, engaging the enemy, or performing combat missions in the air and at sea. The amount is calculated proportionally to the number of days spent in such conditions.
- 50,000 hryvnias. Received by representatives of headquarters and command structures who coordinate the actions of units directly in combat zones.
- 30,000 hryvnias. Paid for the execution of special combat orders in the combat zone, as well as to civil defense specialists and support units. The payment is also calculated proportionally to the time spent performing tasks.
- A one-time payment of 70,000 hryvnias. This is an additional bonus paid each time a servicemember accumulates a total of thirty days of performing tasks directly on the front lines or in enemy territory.
Lump-sum payments and the social security system
In addition to monthly pay and combat bonuses, the state provides financial support for service members in specific life situations. These payments are intended to provide social protection and encourage the professional development of defenders.
Assistance upon signing the first contract. This is a one-time payment awarded to a service member after their first contract officially takes effect. The amount is tied to the subsistence minimum and depends on rank:
For enlisted personnel, the amount is 26,624 hryvnias. For non-commissioned officers, the amount is 29,952 hryvnias. For commissioned officers, the payment amounts to 33,280 hryvnias.
As for specific terms of service, earlier the Verkhovna Rada considered changes that would allow military personnel to sign contracts for 2–5 years, after which they would be entitled to a specified period of leave from service. At the same time, parliament emphasizes that there is currently no question of mass dismissals from the Armed Forces during wartime.
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