Ukraine’s Defense Ministry Introduces New Combat Contracts: Service Terms and Payouts Reaching 120,000 Hryvnias.

New Combat Contracts Rolled Out in Ukraine

According to Novyny.live: Starting June 15, 2023, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has launched updated combat contracts that define service durations and guarantee rest periods for personnel. These changes specifically target drone operators, artillery crews, and electronic warfare specialists. The initiative aims to strengthen military readiness amid ongoing hostilities.

Key Terms of the Updated Contracts

Each new contract runs for two years. Upon completion, service members are entitled to a mandatory deferment of six months, which can be extended by one day for every day spent on combat missions. Additionally, the deferment grows by one month for each year of military service completed before 2022.

The financial structure has also been revised. The base salary stands at 20,000 hryvnias per month, with maximum monthly earnings potentially reaching 120,000 hryvnias. Compensation for positions within command structures is as follows:

• 30,000 hryvnias;
• 50,000 hryvnias during duty at command posts;
• 100,000 hryvnias for direct participation in combat operations.

In addition, a monthly rear-area allowance of 10,000 hryvnias is provided.

New contract signatories also receive a one-time cash benefit ranging from 27,000 to 33,000 hryvnias, along with a minimum health recovery allowance of 20,000 hryvnias. These contracts are available for signing from June 15, 2023.

Eligible individuals include both conscripts and active-duty military personnel. Deferment guarantees consist of:

• six months baseline;
• plus one day for each combat mission completed;
• one month for each year of prior military service.

Combat pay varies by role, with amounts of 30,000, 50,000, and 100,000 hryvnias.

The introduction of these new combat contracts in Ukraine marks a significant step toward improving service conditions for military personnel.

These changes not only enhance financial support but also provide essential social guarantees, potentially boosting troop motivation and readiness in challenging environments. Such initiatives may also contribute to national stability by giving service members greater confidence in their roles and futures.