Ukraine is preparing to launch a major reform of its armed forces, focusing on pay increases, contract service, and changes to personnel management, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
According to the president, the key principles of the reform were agreed in April between military leadership and the government. Final details are expected to be approved in May, with implementation set to begin in June.
“We are launching army reform. During April, the key directions were agreed: military command and the government defined the formula for changes. In May, all key details will be finalized. In June, the reform will start, and we expect the first results already in June,” Zelensky said.
One of the central elements of the reform is a planned increase in military salaries, based on what officials describe as a principle of fairness — linking pay to combat duties, experience, and effectiveness.
Zelensky said the minimum monthly payment for rear positions should be no less than 30,000 hryvnias, while combat roles would receive significantly higher compensation.
“For Ukrainian commanders, combat sergeants and officers — a dignified and substantially increased level of payments,” he said.
The reform places particular emphasis on infantry units holding the front line.
“The Ukrainian infantryman who holds the front line must feel that the state truly respects them,” Zelensky said.
He instructed the introduction of special contracts for infantry soldiers, with payments ranging from 250,000 to 400,000 hryvnias depending on combat tasks performed.
The president also announced planned changes to staffing and personnel management within the armed forces. The reform aims to strengthen the contract-based system and introduce clearer service terms.
According to Zelensky, the expanded contract model should also enable a gradual transition for some previously mobilized personnel to leave service, based on defined timelines starting this year.
He added that military leadership and the defence minister have been instructed to discuss implementation details with combat commanders and incorporate their proposals.
Zelensky expects a detailed report next week outlining the first concrete steps, including the schedule for increased payments starting in June and the rollout of the updated contract system.
