Ukraine Plans Higher Pay, Phased Demobilization Under Army Reform

Proposed changes include higher base salaries, large infantry contract bonuses, and phased demobilization starting in 2026. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Gunners from 43rd Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine fire at Russian position with a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer 2C22 "Bohdana", in the Kharkiv region, on April 21, 2024, amid the Russian invasion in Ukraine. (Photo by Anatolii STEPANOV / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Ukraine is preparing a major reform of its military service system, including higher pay, expanded contracts, and future demobilization plans, the defense ministry said on Friday, May 1. In a statement on Telegram , the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine cited President Volodymyr Zelensky as saying that minimum monthly pay for rear positions will be set at no less than Hr.30,000 (about $750), with significantly higher compensation for combat roles. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . The reform also provides for contractual payments for infantry around Hr.250,000-400,000 ($6,000-10,000) while the contract system will be expanded to introduce clearer service terms and rotation rules. Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said the changes aim to create a “fair model” of financial support, alongside new approaches to staffing and force structure. According to the plan, phased demobilization of soldiers mobilized earlier in the war could begin in 2026. Key details are expected to be finalized in May, with the reform set to launch in June. Before the proposed reform, base pay for Ukrainian servicemen was reported to start at around Hr.20,000 ($500) for rear positions, with additional combat bonuses bringing frontline compensation to approximately Hr.100,000 ($2,500) per month, according to previous official government statements and military pay guidelines. On April 24, Fedorov said Ukraine is preparing to roll out 10 out of 30 planned projects to overhaul the country’s recruitment and service conditions. Other Topics of Interest Kremlin Says Ukraine’s Consent Not Needed for Ceasefire as Zelensky Rejects ‘Theatre’ Zelensky called Moscow’s proposed Victory Day truce “manipulative” theater, while the Kremlin said the ceasefire will proceed regardless of Kyiv’s response. He listed 30 achievements since taking up the post, including an initiative for a “comprehensive transformation” of recruitment and service conditions through 30 projects, 10 of which he said are close to launch. He did not specify the projects, however. Fedorov, who transitioned from the digital minister role, said he has been tasked by Zelensky to overhaul the ministry “as quickly as possible,” which he described as long plagued by inefficiency, corruption and lack of accountability. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.