Problems with the 18−24 Program: Why Volunteers Are Not Receiving Promised Payments

Pavlo Kazarin, a journalist and host at Radio NV, who also serves as a sergeant in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, draws attention to serious flaws in the 18−24 program designed to recruit young people into military service. This program, which includes a payment of one million hryvnias distributed in three installments, unfortunately does not encompass all military personnel who signed contracts before February 12, 2025.

According to the program's conditions, those who sign contracts after the specified date are entitled to receive one million hryvnias in three stages: 200,000 hryvnias upon signing the contract, 300,000 after completing a combat mission, and 500,000 at the end of the contract term. However, the problem lies in the fact that military personnel who signed contracts before February 12, 2025, are subject to entirely different terms. They can only receive compensation for the days spent in combat, and this is only up to the specified date.

For instance, a soldier in the battalion, known by the pseudonym Krapka, signed her contract in November 2024, prior to the introduction of the 'million' contracts program. She has already been serving in a combat crew for a year and a half, yet unfortunately, she has not received any financial support from the state. The reason is that by February 12, 2025, she had not accumulated even 30 days of combat time, as she initially underwent combat missions and then specialized training.

Thus, military personnel who signed contracts under the 'million' scheme have the opportunity to demobilize with the received funds, while Krapka, who signed a contract 'until demobilization,' will continue to fight without any additional payments. This raises serious questions about the fairness and support for volunteers who risk their lives to protect the country.

Pavlo Kazarin emphasizes that this issue could be resolved quite simply. It is proposed to allow the consideration of combat time accrued after February 12, 2025, for those who signed contracts before this date. This would enable all volunteers aged 18−24 who joined brigades without signing a 'million' contract to receive the payments they deserve.

It is worth noting that if no changes are made, the state will send a very clear message to society: the volunteer will always lose. Those who act responsibly cannot expect reciprocity from the state. This could have serious implications for the motivation of young people to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The text, published with the author's permission, underscores the importance of addressing this issue and the necessity for changes in state policy regarding support for military personnel, especially those who voluntarily enlist in the army during difficult times.