The Ministry of Defense is developing new contracts for the military with guaranteed service terms
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky reported that the state seeks to create conditions under which servicemen with combat experience will be able to continue their service on a contractual basis. The Ministry of Defense has already began developing new types of contracts with guaranteed and clearly defined terms of service.
“We would really like many people who gained skills during this war, heroic individuals who want to stay in the army, so that from mobilization status these people can switch to a contract”, Zelensky said.
He noted that contracts of different duration are being considered – for one, two, three, four or five years.
“This is a different format of contracts that will be introduced”, the president explained.
According to Zelensky, currently consultations on the size of payments and financing mechanisms for the new contract system for military personnel:
“We have sorted out the desired financing that the military sees. Today we have figures that everyone considers fair for the contract. I will not name them, because first you need to have financial support for such payments”.
The President also emphasized that he would not like to reduce the size of the Armed Forces of Ukraine after the end of the war or the introduction of a ceasefire:
“I would like the state to be able to offer something so as not to lose (if the military decides to change their profession after the war”.
Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal specified that the Ministry of Defense has already begun preparing new types of contracts for military personnel and is developing relevant legislative amendments:
“The main innovation is guaranteed clear terms of service. Contracts will be from 1 to 5 years. For contracts for 2–5 years, a one-year deferral from mobilization upon completion of the contract”.
According to the minister, after the adoption of the legislative changes, every serviceman will have the opportunity to sign a contract – both those who are already serving and those who will only join the army:
“We plan that the new contracts will also include an increase in monthly payments, signing bonuses, and an expansion of the social package. We are responding to a key request from the military, their families, and society. The new contracts are about fairness and predictability. We are working with the government, the Ministry of Finance, and partners, and we will announce all additional details in the near future”.
