Ukrainian authorities are planning to introduce new contract categories with fixed terms of service, raise military salaries and overhaul incentive payments for personnel involved in combat operations as part of a broad military reform, according to a report by Ukrayinska Pravda citing sources in the Defense Ministry, the General Staff and the presidential office.
The report said Kyiv is developing three different types of contracts for both serving personnel and new recruits.
Under the draft proposals, military personnel would continue to have the option of not signing contracts, but those who do sign would be assigned clearly defined service periods.
The reforms envisage a 10-month service term for personnel serving in combat roles, while new recruits deployed to frontline combat positions would serve for 14 months.
For all other positions, including drone operators and logistics specialists, the proposed service period would be set at two years. The reforms would also grant soldiers the right to choose between combat and logistics assignments.
Under the new system, personnel mobilized into the armed forces would be able to sign contracts guaranteeing demobilization and a deferment period protecting them from immediate remobilization.
According to the report, previous military service would not count toward the new contract term, although it would directly affect the length of the deferment period.
Ukraine introduced martial law and mobilization measures shortly after the start of Russia’s military operation. The Verkhovna Rada extended both measures for the 19th time on May 1.
At the same time, Ukrayinska Pravda reported that the General Staff opposes large-scale demobilization measures out of concern over a potential decline in troop numbers.
Provisions regulating service terms had previously been included in draft mobilization legislation, but were removed before the parliamentary vote at the request of military commanders.
The financial component of the reform includes proposals to raise the minimum salary for soldiers serving in logistics units from 20,000 hryvnias to 30,000 hryvnias, or about $456 to $684. Salaries for commanders are also expected to nearly double.
For soldiers directly participating in combat, officials are proposing a new payment model known as “10/20/40”. Under the system, personnel would receive an additional 10,000 hryvnias, or about $228, for each day spent in frontline positions, 20,000 hryvnias, or about $456, for assault and reconnaissance operations, and 40,000 hryvnias, or about $912, for participation in offensive operations.
The report said soldiers regularly engaged in combat duties could earn as much as 400,000 hryvnias, or around $9,120, per month. Payments would be made on the basis of orders issued by unit commanders.
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry first announced plans for military service reform in February. Measures under consideration include automating draft deferments and fully restructuring the mobilization system.
Kyrylo Budanov, head of the presidential office, urged citizens not to “expect miracles” from changes to the mobilization system, saying the essence of the process would remain unchanged.
Roman Kostenko, secretary of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence, said the Defense Ministry is also considering renaming Territorial Recruitment Centers, or TCCs, as “Call-Up Offices” or “Employment Offices” as part of the reforms.
The authorities also plan to separate the TCCs’ social functions from their mobilization responsibilities.
Kyiv is additionally considering reducing the quota of employees exempt from mobilization at strategically important enterprises from the current 50% to 30%.
The Strana.ua news website, citing government sources, reported that the proposal is being discussed as part of broader changes to the mobilization system.