Zelenskyy: Military Salaries to Be Significantly Increased in June
On June 12, Zelenskyy posted on his Telegram channel stating that military compensation would be substantially increased. The full text is as follows:
Over the past two days, our side has intensively carried out various political decision-making activities. Yesterday, I met successively with Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliya Svirydenko, Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov, and Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko. The Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, and the Chief of the General Staff, Hnatov, have both confirmed this. The relevant action plan has been formally approved, with the core objective being to enhance defense financial security and continuously advance the modernization reform of the Ukrainian armed forces.
Thank you to all members of parliament for passing the revised defense budget bill, and thank you to all international partners who have extended their support to us.
First, increase military salaries. Funds are already available for raising military pay: the minimum monthly salary for rear-echelon personnel will be set at 30,000 hryvnias, with higher pay grades for those engaged in more combat missions. Infantry units will adopt a new service contract with significantly improved benefits. The average monthly salary for frontline infantry personnel could reach up to 300,000 hryvnias. As the backbone of the Ukrainian military, this new contract features clear terms—available for 10 months, 14 months, and 24 months of service—with clearly defined temporary leave provisions ensuring actual implementation of leave rights. In addition, combat commanders’ salaries will also be raised to incentivize retention of outstanding command talent. The Cabinet of Ministers will finalize specific execution details; the new salary scheme is expected to take effect officially in June.
Second, extend heartfelt gratitude to all foreign volunteers who have traveled to Ukraine to fight for freedom. They understand that this struggle also concerns the freedom of many nations worldwide. I have ordered further relaxation of entry channels for foreign personnel, along with the establishment of additional recruitment mechanisms.
Third, continue optimizing the process for military personnel transfers, broaden promotion pathways within the armed forces, and introduce more favorable policies to attract citizens to serve in national defense.
I require that the outcomes of these reform measures become fully evident by summer this year. The Ministry of Defense will subsequently release detailed information on all decisions.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867799766767628/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author