Ukraine's 'Contract 18-24' Offers Soldiers a Million Hryvnias and Zero-Percent Mortgages.

Ukraine's 'Contract 18-24' Program

According to Novyny.live: In spring 2025, Ukraine will launch the 'Contract 18-24' program, allowing citizens aged 18 to 24 to sign contracts for military service. This initiative is designed to attract young recruits by offering a comprehensive package of unique benefits and financial incentives, not just a career path.

Benefits for Contract Soldiers

Those who join the program will receive a special payment of one million hryvnias. Participants will also have the right to choose their military unit and specialty, granting them significant autonomy over their service. Furthermore, the program provides compensation for housing rental throughout the entire contract period, substantially easing the financial burden on young service members.

Additional advantages include the right to free public transport and utility bill concessions, further reducing living costs during service. Upon completion of the contract, these young soldiers will gain access to a mortgage loan at a 0.0% annual interest rate, creating a major opportunity for home ownership. This program is part of a broader effort to modernize military recruitment and retention in Ukraine.

The introduction of the 'Contract 18-24' program demonstrates the Ukrainian government's aim to incentivize military service among the youth by directly addressing the socio-economic needs of this age group.

By making military service more financially attractive, this initiative could significantly boost motivation for young people to pursue a career in the armed forces—a critical factor for the country's defense amid ongoing security challenges.