Ukraine's Defense Ministry Prepares Phase Two of Military Mobilization and Recruitment Reform

Phase Two of Ukraine's Mobilization Reform

According to ХВИЛЯ: Ukraine's Ministry of Defense is developing a second phase of reforms targeting mobilization procedures and the operations of Territorial Recruitment Centers (TRCs). This next stage is expected to launch in July, following the initial phase that took effect on June 15, 2026, which introduced fixed-term service contracts and defined compensation structures.

The upcoming reforms aim to achieve several key objectives:

• Overhauling the military pay system;
• Introducing new contract types for infantry and assault units;
• Establishing clearer terms for service duration.

A separate focus of the reform involves modernizing the TRC system and its specialized units. Widespread inspections are planned across all TRCs, during which law enforcement and relevant agencies will review citizen complaints regarding illegal detention, violence, and other misconduct by TRC personnel.

Plans also call for redistributing TRC functions among various state institutions. The Ministry of Defense has proposed creating special hubs where individuals can wait while undergoing military medical commissions (MMCs) or being assigned to training centers. These hubs will feature round-the-clock video surveillance. Lawyer Oleksii Mendrukh noted a lack of specific details and amendments to Resolutions 154 and 560.

“The idea is to act quickly, because only then will it yield results,” said a source familiar with the preparations for the changes.

The Ministry of Defense is currently working on a reform that will increase additional payments for military personnel. “This involves significant funds. We are now calculating how to balance the budget to ensure the continuity of these payments both this year and in future periods,” reported Yuliia Svyrydenko.

“Any acts of violence or humiliation of citizens’ dignity are unacceptable,” emphasized Mstyslav Banik.

He added that a significant portion of those undergoing military service may eventually join the ranks of the Armed Forces, so treatment of them must adhere to the principles of legality. Thus, the planned reform aims not only to improve service conditions but also to raise operational standards at territorial recruitment centers.

The proposed changes to the mobilization system and TRC operations signal the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense's intent to enhance the efficiency of military service and ensure dignified conditions for service members. Revisions to the pay system, clearer service terms, and TRC modernization could significantly boost citizens' motivation to serve. These measures may also help improve the public image of military institutions-a critical factor given the country's current security challenges.

As Ukraine's Defense Ministry prepares to implement significant changes to military mobilization, it is also essential to consider the broader implications of these reforms on personnel compensation. Recent announcements highlight a comprehensive overhaul of military service terms, including new contract types and salary structures that could see compensation reach up to 460,000 Hryvnias. For a deeper understanding of these transformative measures, explore how these new contracts and salary enhancements will impact service members in our detailed coverage on military service overhaul.