Ukraine launches lucrative volunteer contract for young recruits
The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has introduced a military contract for volunteers aged 18-24 who wish to join the army. The annual income of the program participants can reach up to 2 million hryvnias, which is approximately CAD 68,000. These are not the only benefits.
As stated by Ukraine's Defence Minister, Rustem Umerov, the initiative aims to attract motivated volunteers who will have the opportunity to choose their position and unit independently and undergo intensive training.
"Change your life in a year"
The 18-24 contract is not mobilization or compulsion, but rather an opportunity for a conscious choice, gaining combat experience, and achieving financial stability within a year. After this, the volunteer decides whether to remain in the military or return to civilian life with new perspectives – emphasized Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.
"Change your life in a year" is the phrase heard at the beginning of the promotional film for training young people.
What does the contract include?
The contract includes three main training stages for recruits:
- Basic military training
- Professional training in the chosen specialty
- An adaptive course in the military unit
Volunteers will receive 1 million hryvnias (about CAD 34,000) in one-time financial assistance, paid in parts:
- 200,000 hryvnias (CAD 6,800) – upon signing the contract
- 300,000 hryvnias (CAD 10,300) – upon completing the training
- 500,000 hryvnias (CAD 17,200) – upon completing the service
Additionally, there is a monthly salary of up to 120,000 hryvnias (CAD 4,100) (depending on the combat tasks performed) and additional bonuses for combat operations.
For comparison: according to the website work.ua, the average salary in Ukraine is 23,000 hryvnias, which is approximately CAD 790 per month.
Additional social benefits
The program also includes a range of social benefits:
- Reimbursement of housing rental costs during service
- The possibility of obtaining a mortgage loan at 0 percent after the end of the contract
- Free education in higher institutions funded by the state after service
- Free medical care, including dental and prosthetic services
- The right to travel abroad after completing the contract service
- Exemption from mobilization for 12 months after the end of the contract
Pressure on Zelensky
Previously, the advisor to the head of the President's Office, Serhiy Leshchenko, stated that representatives of the US Democratic and Republican parties are pressuring President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding the mobilization of conscripts from the age of 18.
On October 18, 2024, President Zelensky announced that the Ukrainian authorities do not plan to mobilize people aged 18 and over into the Armed Forces.
International partners are advocating for lowering the conscription age; however, Ukraine sees no reason for such changes and considers them dangerous.
