Zelenskyy: AFU basic monthly pay in contracts may reach UAH 60,000
There is an understanding that the basic financial support for contracts in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) can be UAH 50,000-60,000 per month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said following a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Headquarters meeting on Friday.
"We have studied the understanding that the basic financial support for such a contract in the army can be UAH 50,000-60,000. This is without all those additional things that you know... This is the basic figure that we are counting on," he said during a briefing.
The president said Ukraine is "starting from" that figure, as diplomats and ministries need to give an appropriate signal now to find a source of funding.
According to Zelenskyy, all issues raised during a trip to the frontline this week will be resolved.
"We will simplify the issue of pickup trucks, ATVs, there are technical issues. We will also close the issue of explosives. And we are closing all problems with drones in the military," he said.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal gave details on the new contracts in the Ukrainian army in his Telegram channel, which were discussed with Zelenskyy during a meeting of the General Staff on Friday. Shmyhal noted clear terms of service: "Contracts from one to five years. For contracts of two to five years, a 12-month postponement of mobilization after its completion will be guaranteed."
"Increased basic cash support – from UAH 50,000 to UAH 60,000. Plus allowances, increased combat payments, a bonus for signing a contract, which increases depending on the term of contact. The opportunity to choose a brigade and position. The opportunity to conclude a contract will be for everyone, primarily for active military personnel," he said.
"We are now preparing the necessary changes to the legislation. We plan for the system to start working in early 2026," Shmyhal said.