Cabinet resolution #153 of February 11, 2025 

Decision-maker: the Cabinet of Ministers 

Status: in effect since February 12, 2025 

Who is affected: the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Ministry of Defense, and service members aged 18 to 25 

Summary: 

  • citizens aged 18 to 25 will have the option to sign a service contract with the Armed Forces for one year, with a required participation in combat operations for six months 
  • new recruits who signed this type of contract, after training, can hold exclusively combat positions (riflemen, snipers, grenade launchers, and scouts) 
  • to sign a contract, the candidate must submit an application containing personal data and give consent to its processing, provide the name of the military unit and the desired position. This can be done: 
    • via the electronic cabinet of the draftee 
    • via recruitment platforms (if available) 
    • in paper form at the recruitment center. If the application is submitted to the recruitment center, it will be forwarded to the selected military unit within one working day 
    • via the recruitment department of the military unit 
  • if the commander of a military unit approves the candidate’s application, the candidate must successfully go through: 
    • professional psychological selection 
    • medical examination regarding their suitability for service 
    • basic training — no less than 45 days 
    • specialized training — no less than 14 days 
    • adaptation in the military unit — 14 days 
  • service members who have signed such a contract will receive one-time financial assistance of 1 million UAH. This money will be provided in parts: 
    • 200,000 UAH within 5 working days after signing the contract and the start of service 
    • 300,000 UAH within 5 working days after completing training and the start of combat missions (must be confirmed by the commander’s order) 
    • 500,000 UAH upon discharge from service or on the last day of the contract if a new one is signed 
  • in case of early termination (cancellation) of the contract due to family circumstances or other valid reasons, the payments stop 
  • if the contract is terminated due to illness or injury received during combat actions, and as a result, the service member cannot fulfill the contract’s obligations, the state will pay the full amount 
  • after completing contract service, service members will be able to: 
    • cross the state border of Ukraine during martial law 
    • receive a mortgage loan from the Ukrainian Financial Housing Company at a zero interest rate for the entire loan period (the state fully reimburses the interest) 
  • candidates who arrived at military units on their own and signed contracts will be reimbursed for travel expenses (including the baggage transportation costs etc.) 
  • privates, sergeants, or sergeant majors who were admitted or drafted to military service during martial law and are currently serving: 
    • will receive a one-time monetary reward of 1 million UAH if they directly participated in combat operations in combat zones for no less than six months total 
    • if for less than six months — the monetary reward is proportionately paid based on 1/6 of 1 million UAH for every 30 days of direct participation in combat actions. 

What is right: the Cabinet introduced a new incentive to sign a contract. 

What is wrong: 

  • no similar payments and preferences are provided for those who fought against Russian aggression since 2014 and for officers. The combat experience and merits of ATO/JFO veterans are ignored, which will create tension between “old” and “new” service members 
  • there is no clear financial justification regarding the sources of funding and the amount of funds needed for the implementation of the resolution. Thus, it is unclear whether the state will be able to fulfill its obligations. 

Alternative solution: 

  • to develop a compensation mechanism for service members who are fighting since 2014-2022, and ensure equal rights regardless of position in the military and the time service began 
  • to specify the sources of funding (budget programs, state or international funds) and conduct a detailed assessment of costs at each stage of the implementation of the resolution.