Ukraine Unveils New Pay and Contract Reforms to Address Soldier Shortage

Ukraine is confronting an escalating shortage of soldiers after four years of continuous conflict, marked by human exhaustion and rising rates of military desertion.

To confront this critical challenge, President Volodymyr Zelensky and Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov revealed a comprehensive structural reform aimed at strengthening the army's ranks and encouraging new recruitment.

Salary Increases Target Frontline Infantry

The reforms primarily focus on substantially raising soldiers' salaries, with particular emphasis on infantry units bearing the brunt of combat. Under the new plan, infantry soldiers stationed at the front line will be eligible to earn up to 300,000 hryvnias monthly, approximately 5,800 euros, which is triple the current combat bonuses.

Non-combat personnel will also see pay raises, with the minimum wage increasing from 20,000 to 30,000 hryvnias per month. The salary enhancements will extend to combat unit commanders, their deputies, and chiefs of staff, according to the French newspaper Le Monde.

Introduction of Fixed-Term Contracts

Alongside financial incentives, the reforms introduce the concept of fixed-term contracts, a fundamental change designed to address a major criticism of the current conscription system: the lack of a clear end to service.

Under the new system, infantry and assault unit soldiers will sign contracts ranging from six to fourteen months. Following contract completion, these soldiers will receive a six-month exemption from conscription. Drone operators, artillery personnel, and electronic warfare specialists will be able to enter into twenty-four-month contracts, also followed by a similar exemption period.

Measures to Reduce Desertion and Improve Unit Transfers

The Ukrainian government is also addressing the growing issue of soldiers deserting service, often due to poor leadership or the desire to join more effective units.

To curb this trend, the defense ministry plans to simplify transfer procedures between units significantly by implementing a new digital system called "Armiia." Additionally, new measures aim to encourage soldiers who left their units without authorization to return.

Role of Foreign Volunteers and Funding Challenges

Minister Fedorov aspires for foreign volunteers to constitute between 30% and 50% of the infantry and assault units over the long term. This strategy seeks to compensate for personnel shortages and enhance combat expertise.

These reforms require substantial funding. Recently, the Ukrainian parliament approved a revision of the 2026 budget that allows for a historic increase in military spending.

Military expenditures are expected to reach a record 4,370 billion hryvnias (around 84 billion euros), compared to earlier forecasts of 55 billion euros. Despite political consensus on the necessity of these reforms, financing remains a significant challenge, with Ukraine heavily reliant on international support.

Political Perspectives on Reform Implementation

Oleksandr Merezhko, a deputy from the presidential "Servant of the People" party, stated, "Those who defend us must receive the highest salaries in the country." He added, "Everyone understands the importance of these reforms; the main question now is how far our budget will allow us to proceed."

These measures come at a critical time when tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers suffer from exhaustion after years of fighting without a clear end to their service. Recruitment difficulties have intensified tensions surrounding general conscription. Kyiv hopes these reforms will help build a more professional and resilient army capable of confronting ongoing security challenges.