The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has announced important changes to the procedure for concluding motivational contracts. Servicemembers now have the opportunity to switch to new terms of service without waiting for the current agreement to expire. This innovation aims to make military service more transparent and attractive for the personnel.

Mechanism for switching to a new contract

According to information published by RBC-Ukraine, active soldiers and officers no longer need to wait for the expiration of their old contract. The procedure has been simplified: a servicemember can sign a new motivational contract at any time while in service.

After signing the new document, the previous contract is automatically annulled. The new agreement enters into force on the date specified in the relevant personnel order. However, there is an important territorial restriction: the new contract is concluded exclusively with the unit where the soldier is currently serving.

Rules for transferring to other units

If a servicemember plans to continue serving in a different military unit, the procedure becomes more complex. In this case, it is first necessary to officially process a transfer to the new unit. Only after completing the bureaucratic procedures for the transfer is it possible to conclude a new motivational contract with the new command.

Fixed terms and social guarantees

The new system introduces clear timeframes for service. Depending on the position held, the contract is concluded for either 10 or 24 months. This change is aimed at making the service schedule predictable for every soldier.

A key advantage of the new format is the guarantee of discharge after the contract term expires. This guarantee applies regardless of the duration of martial law in the country. Furthermore, the legislation provides the following benefits for those being discharged:

  • Deferment from re-enlistment after discharge;
  • Retention of monetary allowance;
  • Payment of combat supplements;
  • Retention of all other social guarantees provided by law.

Context of military operations

The update to the contract system takes place against the backdrop of an active phase of hostilities. Previously, the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported a series of strikes on objects involved in supporting Russia's military potential. In particular, three tankers were hit in the Black Sea. According to the Ukrainian side, these vessels were used to transport oil, petroleum products, and fuel in the interests of the Russian armed forces.