Army reform in Ukraine to boost combat pay and reshape how troops are recruited and retained

Ukraine is preparing a major overhaul of its armed forces, with reforms set to begin in June and early changes expected in soldiers’ pay and contract systems.

The announcement signals one of the most significant planned structural changes to Ukraine’s military system since the start of the full-scale war, with a focus on pay differentiation, retention, and professionalisation of combat roles.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the key directions of the reform were agreed in April between military command and the government, with final details due to be approved in May before rollout begins.

He said the first visible results should appear in June, particularly in financial support for soldiers, sergeants, and officers.

Pay system linked to combat role and experience

A central element of the reform is a shift toward what Zelenskyy described as a more “fair” pay system, where compensation reflects combat exposure, command responsibility, and operational effectiveness.

He said the minimum level for rear positions should be at least 30,000 hryvnias ($680 USD), while frontline roles would receive significantly higher payments depending on tasks performed.

Commanders, combat sergeants, and officers are also expected to see higher pay levels under the new structure.

Special focus on infantry

Zelenskyy said infantry troops holding frontline positions will receive special contracts with payments ranging from 250,000 to 400,000 hryvnias ($5,690 - $9,100 USD), depending on combat duties.

He said the aim is to ensure that frontline soldiers “feel real state support and respect” for their role in holding the line.

Changes to contracts and personnel system

The reform also includes changes to how units are staffed and how personnel are managed.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine will expand the contract-based system in the armed forces, introducing clearer service terms and enabling a phased release of earlier mobilised personnel based on defined time criteria.

Military leadership and the defence minister have been tasked with consulting frontline commanders and integrating their input into the final design of the reform.

Zelenskyy said he expects a detailed implementation plan next week, including timelines for increased payments starting in June and the rollout of new contract structures.