The military reacted to the 'Contract 18-24' project presented by the Ministry of Defense.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine presented the 'Contract 18-24' project, which is aimed at young Ukrainians aged 18 to 24, inviting them to join the Defense Forces for one year. According to the press service of the Ministry of Defense, this initiative provides new opportunities for young volunteers: decent financial compensation, professional military training according to NATO standards, and social guarantees unavailable in civilian life.

The Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov, emphasized that the 'Contract 18-24' project primarily focuses on voluntariness. This contract allows individuals to consciously choose to gain military experience and financial stability for a year. The volunteer independently decides whether to continue serving or return to civilian life with unique prospects.

Active military personnel expressed their opinions regarding the new project. Lieutenant of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with the call sign 'Alex' noted that this initiative is excellent, but he pointed out how bonuses will be provided to the huge number of servicemen who have served since the ATO/JFO period, as well as those who joined the military in 2022.

Commander of the platoon of the 24th separate assault battalion 'Aidar', Stanislav 'Osman' Buniyatov, also supports this project, but he feels offended as he has been mobilized and cannot be discharged, while new volunteers will have many advantages. However, he hopes that this project can be beneficial in a more global sense.

According to the project, money will be paid to volunteers in three installments: 200,000 UAH upon signing the contract, 300,000 UAH after completing basic military training (within 5 working days), and the remaining amount on the day the contract ends.

Additionally, the Ministry of Defense announced that young volunteers who joined the Armed Forces before the introduction of new contracts will receive 1 million UAH.

It is worth noting that the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine will put into operation an unmanned ground vehicle called 'Logistic Snake'. It will be used for logistical and evacuation tasks near the frontline.