KYIV — Ukraine announced plans to significantly increase military wages and expand recruitment of foreign volunteers as it seeks to address manpower shortages in its ongoing conflict with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Friday.
Infantry soldiers on the frontline will receive an average monthly salary of about 300,000 hryvnias (roughly $7,000), up from previous levels of around 100,000 to 150,000 hryvnias, according to Zelenskiy’s statement. The basic wage for non-combat roles will rise by one-third to 30,000 hryvnias (about $700).
The measures include new fixed-term contracts for combat duties and additional combat bonuses tied to missions performed. The government aims to implement the changes over the summer, with first new payments possibly starting as early as June, Zelenskiy said.
“I have instructed to create significantly more opportunities to recruit foreign volunteers into the Ukrainian army, and there will be more recruitment channels in this regard,” Zelenskiy said in his statement.
The reforms come after more than four years of conflict, during which Ukraine has faced challenges in sustaining troop levels. Officials have pointed to an expanded defense budget supported by international assistance, including a large EU loan, enabling the pay increases.
Ukraine already has thousands of foreign fighters serving in its forces from more than 70 countries. The new drive aims to increase recruitment through additional channels, with some reports indicating ambitions to fill a substantial portion of infantry and assault roles with international volunteers.
Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and other officials have described the changes as part of broader efforts to professionalize the military, including fixed service terms and improved retention incentives. Details on exact implementation timelines and full funding mechanisms remain subject to cabinet approval.
The announcement has drawn varied reactions. Supporters view the higher compensation as necessary to attract and retain personnel in a high-risk environment. Critics and human rights observers have raised questions about the sustainability of such expenditures and the implications of expanded foreign recruitment amid ongoing hostilities.
As of Saturday, the Ukrainian government had not released further specifics on recruitment targets or contract conditions beyond initial statements. Implementation of the wage increases and new foreign volunteer programs is expected to proceed in the coming weeks.
