Big changes in the Ukrainian army. Demobilization, pay raises and new contracts
Ukraine announces gradual demobilization in 2026. The reform will also include higher salaries and new contract terms.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense announced a broad reform of the military service system. The changes are to include the gradual demobilization of some soldiers, new contract rules and higher salaries for people exposed to the greatest risk on the battlefield.
The process of dismissal from service is to begin before the end of 2026. However, the Ministry of Defense did not specify how many servicemen will be included in the first stage of demobilization.
The soldiers with the longest seniority will be the first to leave
Soldiers who have been in the army the longest will be given the option to end their service first. This includes those who have served since 2014 and those who were mobilized at the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022.
The announcement expands on the proposals previously presented by Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Demobilization is to be part of a larger reorganization of the personnel system of the Ukrainian armed forces.
Higher salaries for soldiers on the front
One of the main assumptions of the reform is to link remuneration with the level of risk. The ministry announced that soldiers serving in the most dangerous conditions will receive higher salaries and benefits.
Soldiers fighting on the front may receive on average about PLN 300,000. hryvnia per month, i.e. approximately 24.5 thousand. zloty. The ministry emphasizes that for the first time in the army there will be a rule according to which greater risk means higher remuneration.
The salaries of support staff will also increase
The changes will affect not only front-line soldiers. The minimum monthly salary of staff performing support functions is to increase from PLN 20,000 to PLN 20,000. up to 30 thousand hryvnia.
The increase will be achieved thanks to an allowance of PLN 10,000. hryvnia. According to the calculations presented, the basic salary will increase from approximately PLN 1,630 to approximately PLN 2,450 per month.
The injured will retain benefits for one year
The new regulations also provide financial protection for soldiers injured during combat. People undergoing hospital treatment are to continue to receive benefits related to participation in combat operations.
Its amount will be PLN 100,000. hryvnias per month, i.e. approximately PLN 8,160. The money can be paid for a maximum of 12 months of uninterrupted medical care.
The new contracts will determine service time
The reform package also assumes the expansion of service based on contracts. The new contracts are intended to clearly define the duration of stay in the army and provide guaranteed deferrals depending on combat experience.
The authorities argue that the solution will give soldiers greater control over their future. At the same time, it is intended to help build a more transparent, professional and stable structure for recruiting and maintaining staff in the Ukrainian army.
