President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the launch of an army reform, revealing three points that include: increasing financial support, special contracts for infantrymen, and strengthening the contract system so that, by expanding the contract component, defined terms of service and the possibility—starting as early as this year—of phased discharge from service for those who were mobilized earlier are ensured, UNN reports.
"We are launching the 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 starts, and the first results should be seen as early as June, particularly in the area of financial support for soldiers, sergeants, and commanders of the Defense Forces of Ukraine,"
According to him, "First: I have set the task to significantly increase financial support based on the principle of justice, namely—combat missions on the front line, real combat and management experience, and the effectiveness of the serviceman must guarantee increased payments." "The minimum level should be no less than 30,000 hryvnias for rear positions. For combat positions—several times more. For Ukrainian commanders, combat sergeants, and officers—a decent and significantly increased level of payments," the President indicated.
"Second: special attention to infantrymen. The Ukrainian infantryman, who holds the front line, must feel that our state truly respects him. I have instructed to ensure the implementation of special contracts specifically for our infantrymen with payments ranging from 250,000 to 400,000 hryvnias depending on the performance of combat missions," the Head of State noted.
"Third: approaches to the manning of our units and human resource management will be changed. I have instructed to strengthen the contract system in the Defense Forces in such a way that, by expanding the contract component, defined terms of service and the possibility—starting as early as this year—of phased discharge from service for those who were mobilized earlier are ensured, based on clear time criteria,"
The President reported that he instructed the military command and the Minister of Defense of Ukraine "to discuss the implementation of the reform with our combat commanders and to take their proposals into account when working on the details of the reform. For next week, I expect a report on specific steps in the implementation of the reform, particularly regarding the schedule of increased payments starting from June and the system of updated contracts."
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