New Contract System in the Armed Forces of Ukraine: Guaranteed Delay After Service

Minister of Defense Denys Shmyhal announced the implementation of a new contract system in the Ukrainian military with clear terms of service ranging from one to five years. This decision was made during a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky on November 8, 2025.

New Contract System and Conditions

“The key condition of the new contracts will be a guaranteed deferment from mobilization for a period of 12 months after the end of service. This provision will apply to contracts lasting from two to five years”

The basic salary for contract servicemen will be 50-60 thousand hryvnias, to which additional bonuses, increased combat pay, and a signing bonus will be added. The size of the bonus will depend on the chosen term of service.

All interested individuals will have the opportunity to sign a contract under the new conditions; however, servicemen will be given the chance to independently choose their brigade and position. The Ministry of Defense plans to make necessary changes to the legislation with the aim of launching the new system in the early days of 2026.

The Ukrainian military sector is preparing for the implementation of a new contract system that envisages more favorable conditions for servicemen and will contribute to increasing the attractiveness of contract service in the Armed Forces of the country.