“We are starting army reform. During April, the key directions of the reform were agreed upon: the military command and the government defined the formula for changes. Now, in May, all key details will be finalized. In June, the reform will begin, and already in June there should be the first results, particularly in the area of financial support for soldiers, sergeants, and commanders of the Defense Forces of Ukraine”, - President Zelensky said on social media on May 1.
“First: I have set the task of significantly increasing monetary support, taking into account the principle of fairness, namely — frontline combat tasks, real combat and managerial experience, and the effectiveness of a servicemember must guarantee increased payments. The minimum level should be no less than UAH 30,000 for rear positions. For combat positions — many times higher. For Ukrainian commanders, combat sergeants, and officers — a noticeably increased level of payments”, - the President noted.
“Second: special attention to infantry. A Ukrainian infantryman who holds the front line must feel that our state truly respects him. I have instructed to ensure the introduction of special contracts specifically for our infantry with payments in the amount of UAH 250,000–400,000 depending on the execution of combat tasks”, - the President stated.
“Third: approaches to staffing our units with personnel and personnel management will be changed. I have instructed to strengthen the contract system in the Defense Forces in such a way that, through expanding the contract component, to ensure defined terms of service and the possibility — starting already this year — of phased demobilization of those who were mobilized earlier, based on clear time criteria”, - Zelensky stated.
He instructed the military command and the Minister of Defense of Ukraine to discuss the implementation of the reform with combat commanders and take their proposals into account in working on the details of the reform.
“Next week, I expect a report on concrete steps in implementing the reform, in particular regarding the schedule of increased payments starting from June and the system of updated contracts”, - the Head of State noted.
