The Cabinet of Ministers proposes to the Verkhovna Rada to transfer the Defense Forces to recruitment under a motivational contract. This is stated in the message of the Ministry of Defense, Ukrainian News Agency reports.
"The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the bill developed by the Ministry of Defense on the transition of the Defense Forces to recruitment under a contract by introducing motivational contracts... The new contract system is designed to become a key factor in increasing the motivation of personnel and ensuring the stability of the professional army," the message says.
It is noted that the document was approved at a meeting of the Government on December 5.
According to the adopted bill, the opportunity to conclude contracts with increased motivational factors will be provided to:
servicemen liable for military service who are in the reserve;
servicemen who are serving on conscription during mobilization.
The bill provides for more flexible contract terms during the special period. The first contract with increased motivational factors will be concluded for a period of 1 to 5 years, subsequent contracts - from 1 to 10 years (but not more than the maximum age for military service).
The bill establishes the right to defer conscription for 12 months from the date of discharge from military service under a motivational contract (with the exception of one-year contracts).
"We expect the bill to be promptly approved by MPs. We expect that the system of new contracts will come into effect in the first quarter of 2026," Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal said.
Shmyhal emphasized that the new contracts for military personnel provide for guaranteed clear terms of service and increased payments.
The Ministry of Defense notes that the introduction of more flexible and understandable mechanisms for concluding and extending contracts will contribute to the creation of a stable and effective recruitment system, reduce dependence on mobilization measures, and increase the level of social protection of military personnel.
As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, on December 5, Shmyhal announced that the state budget for 2026 approved 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.
In November, Shmyhal announced that new military contracts will provide for a basic cash provision of UAH 50,000-60,000.
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