On February 1, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree that would help switch to contract the army starting from 2024. Also, Ukraine wants to increase the number of the Armed Forces by 100,000 people over the next three years, the president’s press service reports.
According to Zelensky, the document aims to increase the level of social security of the Ukrainian military, increasing the number and strengthening the UMF.
“This decree is the start of Ukraine’s transition to a professional army. This decree is not because “war is coming soon.” This I say to everyone. This decree has appeared so that soon and in the future there will be peace — peace in Ukraine,” said Volodymyr Zelensky.
The decree provides for a gradual increase of all military salaries to a level no lower than three minimum wages, an increase in the duration of contracts, and the provision of housing for servicemen, veterans, and their families.
Now the Cabinet of Ministers must prepare amendments to the state budget for the current year, providing funding to increase salaries of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to at least double the minimum wage.
The document also provides for a gradual transition to the formation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on a professional basis. In particular, the intensive military training model was introduced as a possible alternative form of compulsory military service and the termination of conscription of Ukrainian citizens for fixed-term military service from January 1, 2024. In addition, the decree provides for an increase in the number of the Armed Forces of Ukraine by 100,000 people over the next three years and the creation of additional 20 brigades of the UMF.
