Ukraine begins a reform of the armed forces. Zelenski promises higher pay for front-line troops and gradual demobilization
Ukraine is starting a reform of the armed forces, including salary increases for front-line soldiers and phased demobilization, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Friday, quoted by AFP.
The head of state especially wants to strengthen the contract system by guaranteeing clearly defined and guaranteed conditions regarding the duration of military service, notes Agerpres.
From this year, it will also be possible to gradually demobilize those enlisted earlier during the war triggered by the Russian invasion.
The president did not give any other details regarding this highly requested measure. Current legislation does not allow demobilization until after martial law ends in 2022.
The minimum salary in the army for non-combatants is to increase from 20,000 hryvnias (390 euros) to 30,000 hryvnias (about 580 euros), according to data from the Ministry of Defense in Kyiv. Zelensky stated that for the combatants the sums will be “several times higher”.
The details of the reform are to be finalized this month, and the first results will be seen in June, the head of state also said.
Most of the new recruits in the Ukrainian army come from among the conscripts.
The system is marked by scandals and criticized for unfairness, corruption and inefficiency, says AFP. The authorities have tried to attract contract soldiers by offering financial incentives, especially for those in the 18-24 age group, and by opening recruitment offices abroad. So far, these efforts have not had the desired effect.
