New Military Contracts with Fixed Service Durations Approved by Ukraine's Cabinet

Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Resolutions on Contract-Based Military Service

According to Главком: Starting June 15, 2026, a new experimental contract model for military service will take effect in Ukraine, as announced by the Cabinet of Ministers. This pilot program, set to run until June 2028, establishes fixed contract lengths, deferment conditions, and updated monetary compensation for service members.

Updated Rules and Payments

Under the new framework, contract durations will range from 6 to 24 months. Specifically, active servicemen in combat roles will serve 10-month terms, reservists without combat experience will have 14-month contracts, and reservists with prior combat experience can sign on for as few as 6 months. For all other positions, the standard contract length will be 24 months.

A key feature is a guaranteed deferment from mobilization conscription of at least 6 months. Additional deferments will be granted based on service conditions:

• 3 months for every 30 days of combat operations for contracts of 10, 14, or 6 months (minimum);
• 1 month for every 30 days for 24-month contracts;
• An extra 6-month deferment for each year of service since the start of martial law, applicable to 10-month contracts;
• 1 month for every year of service prior to martial law, for all personnel.

New supplementary payments for service members have also been introduced:

• 20,000 hryvnias per day for conducting assault operations within the depth of friendly defenses;
• 40,000 hryvnias per day for assault operations deep in enemy territory;
• A base combat allowance of up to 100,000 hryvnias for troops on the front line;
• 170,000 hryvnias for positions up to platoon strongpoints;
• 70,000 hryvnias for company strongpoints;
• 50,000 hryvnias for command posts.

Additionally, rewards are offered for combat actions:

• 100,000 hryvnias for capturing an enemy serviceman;
• 15,000 hryvnias for neutralizing enemy personnel.

However, total monthly payments cannot exceed 460,000 hryvnias. The minimum monthly compensation for rear-area personnel will be at least 30,000 hryvnias, while additional bonuses for instructors will range from 15,000 to 30,000 hryvnias per month.

On June 12, Ukraine announced the start of a transformation in its military service system. Government officials, including Yulia Svyrydenko, Oleksandr Syrskyi, and Mykhailo Fedorov, presented the package of decisions. A hotline from the Ministry of Defense for questions about the new service model is available at 1519.

This resolution is part of the Ukrainian government's efforts to modernize military service amid the ongoing conflict.

Introducing this new contract model with fixed service terms aims to boost army efficiency and provide better conditions for military personnel. By attracting experienced reservists and clearly regulating payments, the policy may encourage more citizens to sign contracts, which is crucial for national defense. Importantly, these changes also include deferment mechanisms that could ease the social burden on military families during mobilization efforts.

In light of these new military contracts, it is crucial to understand the broader context of Ukraine's defense strategy. Recently, the government has also increased funding for the armed forces and introduced new payment schemes, which aim to enhance the financial stability of military personnel and support their operational effectiveness. This coordinated approach underscores a significant shift in how Ukraine is bolstering its defense capabilities amid ongoing challenges.