Wounded servicemen will continue to receive combat allowances of 100,000 hryvnias per month
This was announced by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence in a statement regarding the first phase of the Defence Forces’ transformation. Further details regarding contracts, deferrals and payments were also provided by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has published answers to frequently asked questions regarding the first stage of the transformation of the Defence Forces. The ministry explained how payments will change, what will happen to wounded servicemen, when the new rules are due to come into force, and why servicemen are being offered new contracts.
The Ministry of Defence emphasised that government resolutions have already been adopted, but the changes will come into force after the documents have been signed and officially published. In other words, the new rules should not be presented as if they were already fully in effect.
What payments will wounded soldiers retain
In the event of injury and if a soldier is undergoing inpatient treatment, their combat allowance – 100,000 hryvnias per month – will be maintained.
The Ministry of Defence clarified that such payments may be maintained for up to 12 months of continuous treatment. This does not refer to a new one-off compensation, but to the retention of combat pay during treatment following injury.
The Ministry also noted that, following injury, a soldier may, at their own discretion, remain in their combat unit. This option is provided for by current legislation and is specifically mentioned in the experimental resolution.
When will those who have served for a long time be discharged?
The Ministry of Defence stated that, on the President’s instructions, the gradual discharge of military personnel who have been in the army for a long time is to begin by the end of the year.
This will primarily apply to those who have been serving since 2014 or 2022, have the longest service record and have spent the most time on combat missions.
The ministry presents this as part of a broader transformation of service conditions, which is intended to provide military personnel with clearer rules, service terms and the prospect of rest after their contract.
Why basic pay has not increased for everyone
The Ministry of Defence explains that the first stage of the transformation has two main priorities: to strengthen the front line and to increase basic pay for those serving in the rear.
According to the ministry, the biggest pay rises are intended for those who risk their lives the most, namely frontline troops. For infantry on the front line, the average pay is set to be around 300,000 hryvnias per month.
At the same time, the basic pay for rear-line posts is being increased from 20,000 to 30,000 hryvnias through a rear-line allowance of 10,000 hryvnias. The Ministry of Defence notes that existing resources were used for the first stage of the transformation.
What the new contract system entails
A separate set of changes concerns new contracts with clear terms of service.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the infantry assault contract provides for 14 months’ service for civilians, 10 months for serving military personnel, and from 6 months for military personnel who were discharged during martial law. It is for these positions that the highest pay rates are envisaged – an average of 300,000 hryvnias per month and up to a maximum of 460,000 hryvnias.
The combat contract is for 24 months. It covers specific combat roles, including UAV operators, operators of ground-based robotic systems, artillerymen and other specialities. The basic contract also provides for 24 months of service.
The Ministry of Defence explains that the contracts are not just about pay. They also involve clear terms of service and guaranteed deferrals following the end of the contract.
How the deferment period after the contract will be calculated
Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov explained that the length of the deferment after the contract ends will depend not only on the type of contract, but also on the soldier’s previous length of service and combat experience.
According to Fedorov, one of the principles of the new contract system is to fairly take into account the soldier’s past service. Therefore, the deferment should depend on how long a person has already served and whether they have taken part in combat operations.
The Ministry of Defence also notes that the new contract is intended to give servicemen greater control over their own lives, as it sets out the length of service and subsequent guarantees.
What is changing with transfers
The transformation of the Defence Forces also provides for a new mechanism for transferring Armed Forces personnel via the “Army+” app.
According to the Ministry of Defence, military personnel will be able to submit a transfer request once a year within their operational chain of command. This refers to transfers within the area of responsibility of the relevant corps.
This mechanism is intended to simplify the transfer procedure and make it more predictable for military personnel.
What is known about returning after AW
Separately, the Ministry of Defence announced a new procedure for military personnel who left their units without permission before 12 June 2026.
They may return to service by 20 September 2026 under the updated mechanism. According to the ministry, the procedure provides for a return without reserve battalions and with the option to independently choose a unit from a specified list.
This measure is also part of a broader transformation of the Defence Forces, which is set to change approaches to unit manning and service.
What preceded the changes
On 12 June, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has the resources to increase payments to military personnel. He announced a minimum of 30,000 hryvnias for rear-line posts and an average of around 300,000 hryvnias for front-line infantrymen.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi also announced a new contract system with clear terms and conditions and defined service periods.
The first stage of the Defence Forces’ transformation covers pay, new contracts, post-service deferrals, transfers via “Army+” and updated mechanisms for the return of military personnel to service.
As reported by ThePublic, demobilisation in the Armed Forces of Ukraine: Syrskyi explained the new discharge mechanism.
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