From 15 June 2026, a new contract system has been in force in the Defence Forces of Ukraine. Instead of service with no set end date, there is a specific term, a guaranteed discharge once it ends and a deferment from the next mobilisation. We explain which contracts exist, how they differ and what exactly a person gets by signing each of them.

What has changed

The basis is Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Resolution No. 768 of 12 June 2026 “On the implementation of an experimental project to introduce additional motivational factors for certain categories of military personnel and police officers”. The resolution came into force on 15 June 2026, and the experimental project is set to run until June 2028.

The main change is not in the amounts but in predictability. Contracts signed under martial law used to remain valid until it ended — meaning their end date was not set in advance. Now the term is written into the document, and once it ends the service member has a guaranteed right to be discharged, regardless of martial law.

The second change is the deferment. A person who has served under a motivational contract cannot be called up during mobilisation for at least 6 months after discharge. This period increases for participation in combat and for length of service.

Ministry of Defence chart 'Terms of military contract service': before — fixed-term contracts of 3–5 years and wartime contracts with no fixed date; now — 10 months for serving military personnel, 14 for a civilian reservist, from 6 for a veteran, 24 for rear positions, guaranteed discharge and a deferment of at least 6 months

Three types of contract at a glance

Infantry-assault — for assault troops, infantrymen, combat medics, gunners and driver-mechanics. The shortest term: 14 months for civilians, 10 for serving military personnel, from 6 for those returning after discharge. Pay averages around UAH 300,000 a month, up to a maximum of 460,000. Deferment after the contract is 6 months plus 3 months for every 30 days of participation in combat.

Combat — for UAV operators, artillerymen, EW specialists, UGV operators and other combat specialities. The term is 24 months, with payments of UAH 30,000 to 120,000 a month: the closer to carrying out combat missions, the higher the pay. Deferment is 6 months plus 1 month for every 30 days of participation in combat.

Basic — for rear units, HQs and support roles: accountants, cooks, clerks. The term is 24 months, from UAH 30,000 a month. Deferment is 6 months.

Infantry-assault contract

The shortest in term and the highest in pay. It is designed for those going to the front line: assault units, infantry, combat medics, gunners, driver-mechanics.

The term depends on who the person was before signing:

  • 14 months — for civilians and those liable for military service. This term includes basic military training if the person has not yet completed it. The resolution adds a condition: at least 12 of these 14 months must be served in designated positions and in designated military units.
  • 10 months — for serving military personnel who switch to this contract.
  • from 6 months — for those who have already served and were discharged during the special period, meaning they have training and experience.

The deferment after completion is calculated most generously here: the base 6 months plus 3 months for every 30 days of direct participation in combat. So half a year on positions is 6 periods of 30 days, which means 18 months of deferment on top of the base 6. 24 months in total.

Ministry of Defence chart: infantry-assault contract — 14 months for civilians, 10 for serving military personnel, from 6 for those discharged; base deferment of 6 months plus 3 months for each month of combat missions, 6 months for each year of service since 2022 and 1 month for each year before 2022
Ministry of Defence chart: positions under the infantry-assault contract — command, NCOs, reconnaissance, medical, armoured vehicles and assault infantry

Combat contract

24 months for combat specialities whose tasks are outside infantry assaults: drone operators, artillerymen, electronic warfare specialists, unmanned ground vehicle operators.

Payments range from UAH 30,000 to 120,000 a month. The principle is simple: the closer to carrying out combat missions, the higher the amount. Additional payments are made for being at combat positions, for carrying out combat missions, for hitting enemy targets and for taking part in commanding combat operations.

Deferment is a base 6 months plus 1 month for every 30 days of direct participation in combat.

Ministry of Defence chart: combat contract — 24-month term, base deferment of 6 months plus 1 day for each day of combat missions and 1 month for each year of service before 2022
Ministry of Defence chart: pay under the combat contract — base pay of UAH 20,000 a month plus additional bonuses of 30,000 in support positions, 50,000 at command posts, 100,000 in combat; a 10,000 supplement in the rear
Ministry of Defence chart: positions under the combat contract — unmanned aerial systems, robotic and uncrewed systems, artillery, air defence, medics and evacuation, sappers, EW and communications

Basic contract

24 months for non-combat positions: rear units, HQs, support units, accountants, cooks, clerks.

The minimum pay is from UAH 30,000 a month. Additional payments depend on the position and the tasks performed.

Importantly, the basic contract does not lock a person into the rear for good. If they wish, they can move to a combat position and receive higher pay.

How the deferment is calculated

The resolution provides for several grounds, and they are calculated cumulatively — that is, they add up:

  • 6 months — the base for everyone who has signed a contract for 10, 14 or 24 months or for 6 months or more;
  • 3 months for every 30 days of direct participation in combat — for 10- and 14-month contracts and contracts of 6 months or more;
  • 1 month for every 30 days of direct participation in combat — for 24-month contracts;
  • 6 months for each year of service from 24 February 2022 until the contract is signed — for 10-month contracts;
  • 1 month for each year of continuous service before 24 February 2022 — for 10- or 24-month contracts.

What everyone gets, regardless of contract type

  • A one-off payment for signing a first contract — from UAH 27,000 to 33,000 depending on military rank.
  • Annual health and recreation allowance — from UAH 20,000. It is paid when going on full-length annual leave or its second part, and also without leave — on the service member’s report (formal request) during the current year.
  • Guaranteed discharge once the contract term ends — regardless of martial law.
  • Deferment from mobilisation — at least 6 months after discharge.

How to sign

The contract is concluded digitally via the “Army+” app. Advice on the new contracts is available from the Ministry of Defence hotline on 1519.

Ready to start?

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Sources
  • Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 768 of 12.06.2026 — zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/768-2026-p
  • Ministry of Defence of Ukraine. “Contracts and payments: what the Defence Forces reform changes” — mod.gov.ua/explanation/kontrakti-i-viplati-shho-zminyuye-reforma-sil-oboroni
  • Ministry of Defence of Ukraine. “New infantry-assault contract: payments of up to UAH 460,000” — mod.gov.ua/news/novyi-pikhotno-shturmovyi-kontrakt-vyplaty-do-460-000-hryven-dlia-zakhysnykiv-na-peredovii
  • Ministry of Defence of Ukraine. “New combat contract: clear terms and risk bonuses” — mod.gov.ua/news/novij-bojovij-kontrakt-chitki-termini-i-doplati-za-rizik
  • Defence Forces of Ukraine. “New contracts of 2026” — army.gov.ua/novi-kontrakty/