The state budget for 2026 adopted by the Verkhovna Rada does not provide for an increase in military salaries, and the government will initiate the possibility of receiving more funds under contracts. Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal has announced this in the Verkhovna Rada during an hour of questions to the government, the Ukrainian News agency reports.
"The draft budget does not provide for an increase in financial support in 2026. We envisage the introduction of a new form of contractual service, which will contain improved conditions for all servicemen, in particular, active servicemen will be able to sign contracts under the new form, receive more money for them," he said.
Shmyhal noted that as of now, the military are being paid in full, there are no delays, and this will continue next year.
According to him, today the government will consider a draft law of the Ministry of Defense on introducing changes to the contract form of service, that is, an annual contract.
"And then, after the support of this bill in the parliament, we can start with a contract form, which will also provide other conditions for servicemen. Of course, we are working to make them better than the existing ones," the minister said.
As for the increase of financial support for the military, Shmyhal noted that legislative changes are needed for this, the Defense Ministry has worked with the relevant committee, discussed this issue and will look for options.
As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, on December 3, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the state budget for 2026, which in particular, provides for the security and defense sector UAH 2.8 trillion or 27.2% of GDP, which is almost 60% of all expenditures, of which UAH 1.4 trillion is monetary support.
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