The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, announced the implementation of an updated contract service system, which provides for various terms and conditions for different categories of military personnel and volunteers.
This is reported by Finway
Modernization of the Contract Army: Key Changes
Syrskyi noted that for former military personnel who were discharged due to health reasons but wish to return to service, short-term contracts lasting 6–9 months are provided. For current military personnel, the possibility of signing 10-month contracts is being considered, which will allow for more flexible personnel policy organization in the army. For new volunteer recruits, long-term contracts of two years or more are planned, which will contribute to stable staffing of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“These are likely the final terms. Those that the military discussed, and we took into account various perspectives and approaches. Many want a short contract,” said the Commander-in-Chief.
At the same time, Syrskyi emphasized that there remains a certain portion of people who do not wish to sign a contract — for them, mobilization rules will apply.
Advantages and Challenges of the New Contract System
According to military experts, there are many experienced fighters in Ukraine who were forced to leave service due to minor health issues but are ready to return to the ranks of the army after treatment. For such military personnel, short-term contracts will be an optimal solution, as they already possess the necessary combat experience and can quickly adapt to performing tasks. Commander of the reconnaissance unit Denys Yaroslavskyi believes that creating special conditions for the return of such fighters is a correct step to strengthen the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Currently, approximately half of the personnel serve under contract, while the other half are mobilized. The new rules allow mobilized individuals to sign a contract at their own discretion, which may provide them with additional advantages, particularly regarding certification and obtaining relevant ranks. However, experts emphasize the need to avoid automatic contract extensions during wartime, which previously led to a situation of “indefinite service.”
Signing a contract is a voluntary step. Contractors receive certain benefits, such as the opportunity to confirm police ranks or obtain additional social guarantees. At the same time, for entrepreneurs running businesses, signing a contract means the necessity to fully focus on military service, as receiving income from multiple sources falls under anti-corruption legislation. Therefore, many choose to serve under mobilization to avoid losing their businesses.
Some military personnel believe that involving foreigners on a contractual basis could become an additional resource for the Ukrainian army.
Legal Aspects and Future Reforms
According to lawyers, one of the main problems remains the legal nuances of existing contracts, which often do not correspond to the promises made at the time of signing. Some military personnel are forced to go to court to receive the appropriate payments for completed contracts. Lawyer Oleg Leontiev points out that many contracts signed before the full-scale war effectively became indefinite due to poorly defined conditions.
A large-scale army reform is expected to begin in June, which will involve increasing the financial support for military personnel. The minimum salary for rear specialists will be no less than 30,000 hryvnias, and significant increases in payments are promised for combat positions.