Increase in Military Enlistment Among Young Ukrainians
"Hey there! Here's the deal about the "18-24" military contract in Ukraine."
This program, launched back in 2025, is basically a recruitment drive targeting young folks aged 18 to 24 who aren't subject to compulsory mobilization (that kicks in at 25). It's designed for voluntary one-year service in the Armed Forces, National Guard, and State Border Guard Service.
Now, over 400 individuals have signed up for this program since February 11, 2025. That equates to around 135-140 new recruits each month. Interestingly, most of the volunteers interviewed by journalists had planned to join the armed forces even before the program was launched.
Why the sudden interest? Well, the "18-24" contract offers better conditions and higher remuneration. To get their hands on that money, they've got to spend at least six months in the combat zone.
So, what's in it for them? The contract guarantees an initial payment of 200,000 hryvnias, with the rest paid out during their service. The total remuneration can reach 1,000,000 hryvnias, and monthly allowance can be up to 120,000 hryvnias. Plus, there are post-service benefits like housing and travel assistance.
But it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Existing soldiers have criticized the program for creating a two-tier benefit system, as earlier recruits receive fewer financial incentives.
Oh, and did you hear about the whole thing where Ukrainian women were being recruited into the armed forces? Well, that's another story for another time."
Fun fact: The Ukrainian Supreme Court ruled that religious beliefs no longer exempt citizens from military service during wartime, effectively boosting recruitment efforts.
Sources:
- Gazeta.Ru
- News Each Morning (NEM)
- BBC News
- Strategic Culture Foundation
- Military-Industrial Courier
The 18-24 military contract in Ukraine,launched in 2025, has seen a surge in interest due to better conditions and higher remuneration offered. Over 400 Ukrainians have signed up for this program, with approximately 135-140 new recruits each month. The contract guarantees an initial payment of 200,000 hryvnias, with the total remuneration reaching 1,000,000 hryvnias. However, the program has faced criticism for creating a two-tier benefit system, with earlier recruits receiving fewer financial incentives. This news has been noted by various sources including Gazeta.Ru, News Each Morning (NEM), BBC News, Strategic Culture Foundation, and Military-Industrial Courier. Interestingly, this program's recruitment efforts have been further boosted by a ruling from the Ukrainian Supreme Court that religious beliefs no longer exempt citizens from military service during wartime.
