Volodymyr Zelensky announces measures to strengthen the contracting system in the army, including increasing the minimum wage and the possibility of the gradual demobilization of soldiers.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, announced the intention to strengthen the contract system in the military by establishing clear conditions regarding the duration of military service. An important novelty is the possibility of the gradual demobilization of soldiers enrolled during wartime, although current legislation allows demobilization only after the end of martial law, in effect since 2022.

The minimum salary for non-combat soldiers will increase from 20,000 hryvnias (390 euros) to 30,000 hryvnias (approximately 580 euros), and for combatants, the amounts will be significantly higher. The details of the reform will be finalized this month, and the first results are expected in June.

Ukrainian authorities are trying to attract contract soldiers, especially among young people aged 18-24, but recruitment efforts have not been successful so far, marked by scandals and criticisms related to inequity and corruption.