Ukraine plans to introduce a new motivation system for mobilized citizens. Roman Kostenko, the secretary of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, stated that a contract army is to be created, where mobilized individuals will have the opportunity to sign contracts with additional payments.
«We remember that the president stated that there would be a priority for us - a contract army, and they will encourage the same mobilized individuals to sign contracts,» said the member of parliament.
It is noted that the amount of additional payments when signing a contract for mobilized citizens is currently not specified, but may amount to two million hryvnias for the entire contract period.
«It is about a million or two - I will not say now because this decision is conceptual but not finalized... You sign a contract for a minimum of two years... They will distribute the amount over the months of service that you signed the contract for, for example, for 24 months. They do not give you two million at once - they divide it over 24 months, and you will receive an additional motivation to your salary every month,» he explained.
It is expected that only contractors will receive increased monetary payments, and clear service terms will also be established for this category.
Program 'Contract 18–24'
The government approved the launch of the 'Contract 18–24' program for drone operators who will serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, and the State Border Guard Service. Participants in this program will receive a payment of 1 million hryvnias, which will be distributed in three stages. After completing service, participants will also receive support from the state, including mortgages at a zero-interest rate.
The Ministry of Defense also expressed the initiative to introduce a deferment for participants in the 'Contract 18–24' program, which was supported by Pavlo Palisa, deputy head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, who emphasized the importance of continuing mobilization in the event of a ceasefire.
The emergence of a new motivation system for mobilized citizens in Ukraine, under which a contract army and the 'Contract 18–24' program for drone operators are planned to be implemented, indicates the government's ongoing efforts to support and stimulate the military potential of the country in the context of the war in the east. New approaches to motivating the mobilized population may contribute to enhancing defense capabilities and developing the Ukrainian army, engaging youth in important tasks for the country's security.