Ukraine offers lucrative military contracts to young volunteers
The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has introduced a military contract for volunteers aged 18-24 who wish to join the army. Participants in the programme could earn an annual income of up to 2 million hryvnias, approximately £39,000. This is not the only advantage.
As reported by the Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerow, the initiative seeks to attract motivated volunteers who will have the opportunity to choose their positions and units independently and undergo intensive training.
"Change your life in a year"
The 18-24 contract isn't about mobilisation or compulsion but offers the possibility of making a conscious choice, gaining combat experience, and achieving financial stability within one year. Afterwards, volunteers can decide whether to stay in the army or return to civilian life with new perspectives," highlighted Defence Minister Rustem Umerow.
"Change your life in a year" is the tagline at the start of the promotional film for training the youth.
What does the contract envisage?
The contract comprises three primary stages of recruit training:
- Basic military training,
- Professional training in the chosen specialty,
- Adaptation course in the military unit.
Volunteers will receive 1 million hryvnias (around £19,300) in one-off financial assistance, paid in instalments:
- 200,000 hryvnias (£3,900) – upon signing the contract,
- 300,000 hryvnias (£5,800) – upon completion of training,
- 500,000 hryvnias (£9,700) – upon completion of service.
Additionally, a monthly salary of up to 120,000 hryvnias (£2,300) is available, depending on the combat tasks performed, along with additional bonuses for combat operations.
For comparison, according to the website work.ua, the average salary in Ukraine is 23,000 hryvnias, about £4,400 annually.
Additional social benefits
The programme also encompasses a variety of social benefits:
- Reimbursement of accommodation rental costs during service,
- Possibility of obtaining a mortgage loan at 0 percent after completing the contract,
- Free higher education funded by the state after completing service,
- Free medical care, including dental and prosthetic services,
- Right to travel abroad after completing contract service,
- Exemption from mobilisation for 12 months following the contract.
Pressure on Zelensky
Previously, Serhiy Leshchenko, advisor to the Head of the President's Office, mentioned that representatives of the US Democratic and Republican Parties are pressuring President Volodymyr Zelensky on the mobilisation of conscripts from the age of 18.
On 18 October 2024, President Zelensky announced that the Ukrainian authorities do not plan to mobilise individuals aged 18 and over into the Armed Forces.
International partners are advocating for lowering the conscription age, but Ukraine sees no reason for such changes and considers them dangerous.
