Border Guards to Receive Up to 200,000 UAH Monthly in Combat Pay by 2026

Ukraine Marks Border Guard Day

According to Главком: Ukraine celebrates Border Guard Day every April 30. This date commemorates events from April 30, 1918, when a unit of the Ukrainian People's Army under Colonel Volodymyr Sikevych reached the internationally recognized border of the Ukrainian People's Republic. The holiday was officially established by President Petro Poroshenko's decree No. 111/2018 on April 27, 2018. Prior to this, it had been observed on November 4 and later on May 28.

Modern Units and Financial Compensation

Today, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGSU) includes brigade-type units such as 'Steel Border,' 'Revenge,' 'Harte,' and 'Outpost.' Additionally, the SBGSU operates a special forces unit called 'DOZOR' (the 10th separate rapid response unit).

A key element of border guard service is financial compensation. In 2026, the minimum monthly salary for a contract soldier in the SBGSU will start at 20,100 UAH, while those in brigade-type units will earn a minimum of 25,000 UAH per month. For direct participation in combat operations, border guards will receive 100,000 UAH, and for missions along the front line, a one-time payment of 70,000 UAH for every 30 days. Personnel serving in military command bodies, headquarters, and command centers will get 50,000 UAH, while those on special assignments within troop groups will receive 30,000 UAH. A border guard on the front line can earn over 200,000 UAH per month in total.

Regarding social benefits, border guards are entitled to official housing or a rental allowance, free medical care and rehabilitation, annual financial assistance for social and household needs, and an annual health recovery allowance. Additional perks include educational benefits for their children. The signing bonus for the first contract will be at least 24,224 UAH.

The 2026 budget does not include a general increase in base salaries for border guards. However, a bill (No. 14355) has been registered in the Verkhovna Rada proposing a minimum monthly compensation of 100,000 UAH for all military personnel. In 2024, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a draft decree amending the terms of military service in the SBGSU. Border guards who are wounded will be allowed up to 12 months of treatment while retaining full pay.

Border Guard Day in Ukraine underscores the critical role of the border service in national security. Recent changes in compensation and social guarantees reflect the growing demands on border guards, especially amid the ongoing armed conflict. Legislative efforts to raise minimum pay could significantly boost troop morale and overall service conditions within the SBGSU.

In summary, the state continues to prioritize funding and social protection for border guards, marking an important step in the development of this sector.

In addition to the new compensation structures for border guards, the Ukrainian government is also implementing significant lump-sum payments for injured soldiers and conscripts starting in 2026. These measures reflect a broader commitment to supporting military personnel during challenging times. For further details on the upcoming financial assistance for those who serve, check out the full report on lump-sum payments for wounded military members.