The Ministry of Defense has completed the first stage of creating social support services.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has completed the first stage of creating social support services for military personnel. These units, known as patronage services, will provide support to military personnel and their families who need assistance, such as legal, psychological, and medical help. This was reported by the Ministry of Defense.

According to the statement from the Ministry of Defense, the support system has been implemented since October 1, 2024, at the initiative of the Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrskyi.

Umerov explained: 'Already today, it has been implemented at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels in brigades, regiments, fleets, and separate battalions. Patronage services will also operate in military units, hospitals, territorial recruitment centers, and social support centers.'

The Minister also noted that training of specialists for the social support service for military personnel is ongoing. 'In September, the first training course was held, which will be updated and expanded based on the experience gained. The completion of the first stage of creating social support services is an important step towards strengthening social support for military personnel and building trust in the Ukrainian army,' he added.

It is worth noting that the USA is pressuring Ukraine to lower the conscription age to 18. However, Ukrainian officials claim that the country does not currently plan to lower the conscription age. At the same time, there is a possibility of incentivizing young men to join the Armed Forces through motivational contracts.