Zelensky announces launch of military reforms with higher pay and updated contracts

The head of state announced this on Telegram, according to Ukrinform. 

"We are launching army reform. Key areas of the reform were agreed upon in April: the military command and the government have defined the framework for the changes. Now, in May, all key details will be finalized. The reform will begin in June, and the first results are expected as early as June, particularly regarding the financial support of soldiers, sergeants, and commanders of the Ukrainian Defense Forces," the head of state wrote.

Zelensky noted that his primary goal is to significantly increase pay, taking into account the principle of fairness; specifically, combat duties on the front lines, actual combat and leadership experience, and a servicemember’s effectiveness should guarantee higher pay.

“The minimum level should be no less than 30,000 hryvnias for rear-line positions. For combat positions—several times higher. For Ukrainian commanders, combat sergeants, and officers—a decent and significantly increased level of pay,” he emphasized.

According to the President, special attention will be paid to infantrymen.

“A Ukrainian infantryman holding the front line must feel that our state truly respects him. I have instructed that special contracts be implemented specifically for our infantrymen, with payments ranging from 250,000 to 400,000 hryvnias depending on the fulfillment of combat missions,” he emphasized.

In addition, the head of state stated that approaches to staffing units and personnel management will be changed.

“I have instructed that the contract system in the Defense Forces be strengthened in such a way that, by expanding the contract component, specific terms of service are ensured and the possibility—starting this year—of phased discharge from service for those who were previously mobilized, based on clear time criteria,” Zelensky informed.

The President instructed the military command and the Minister of Defense of Ukraine to discuss the implementation of the reform with combat commanders and to take their proposals into account when working out the details of the reform.

“Next week, I expect a report on specific steps to implement the reform, in particular regarding the schedule for increased payments starting in June and the system of updated contracts,” he noted.

As reported by Ukrinform, as of March 2026, the reform of the Ukrainian Army’s military command system was in its second phase.

Photo: t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official