The Ukrainian government has approved a draft law on new contracts for military personnel, which they plan to implement from 2026. Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal announced the details, emphasizing improved service conditions and financial benefits for service members.
On December 5, the government submitted a draft law to the Verkhovna Rada that introduces new contracts for military personnel. According to Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal, the draft law, developed in accordance with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s directive, provides clear service terms and increased payments for military personnel. The contracts are intended for soldiers, sergeants, and officers of all security and defense forces, including the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, and the State Border Guard Service. It provides for contract terms ranging from one to five years, as well as a 12-month deferment from mobilization after signing a contract for 2-5 years.
In addition, contractors will receive annual financial bonuses and an additional monthly reward for participation in combat operations. The draft law also allows citizens in reserve and mobilized military personnel to enter into such contracts, and those already serving under a contract can re-sign them under the new conditions.
It is expected that the deputies will promptly pass the draft law, and the system of new contracts will start working in the first quarter of 2026. In October, the “Contract 18-24” program was expanded to all combat units of the Defense Forces. Throughout November, Volodymyr Zelensky has already stated that the basic salary under the new contracts should increase to 50,000 – 60,000 UAH.
| Contract Participants | Term Duration | Financial Bonuses |
|---|---|---|
| Soldiers, Sergeants, Officers | 1-5 years | Annual bonuses, additional payments for combat operations |
| Reservists, Mobilized | Re-signing available | – |
