Ukraine is introducing sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening its armed forces, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announcing higher military wages, improved frontline contracts and an expanded programme to recruit foreign volunteers. The measures come as Kyiv continues to face mounting personnel shortages after more than four years of full-scale war with Russia, while Moscow responds to an increase in Ukrainian long-range drone strikes.
Higher salaries to strengthen recruitment
President Zelenskyy said the government has approved a package of financial incentives designed to improve recruitment and retain experienced personnel. Base military salaries will increase by one-third to 30,000 hryvnias per month, bringing them closer to Ukraine’s national average wage.
Frontline infantry soldiers will receive substantially higher compensation, with monthly earnings rising to approximately 300,000 hryvnias. The government is also introducing new fixed-term combat contracts lasting 10, 14 or 24 months, providing greater certainty for those serving on the front lines.
Foreign volunteers remain an important resource
Alongside domestic recruitment efforts, Ukraine plans to significantly expand opportunities for foreign volunteers wishing to join its armed forces.
According to Zelenskyy, new recruitment channels will be established to simplify the process for international volunteers. Ukrainian military estimates suggest that around 10,000 foreign fighters from more than 70 countries have joined Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.
EU funding supports defence expansion
The reforms are supported by a €90 billion financial package from the European Union, allowing Ukraine to increase defence spending to a record 4.4 trillion hryvnias.
The additional funding is expected to finance higher military salaries, equipment procurement, training programmes and broader reforms intended to improve the long-term resilience of Ukraine’s armed forces as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain stalled.
Drone campaign increases pressure on Russia
The announcement comes as Ukraine continues expanding its long-range drone campaign against military and energy infrastructure inside Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged that the attacks are creating economic disruption, while insisting that Russia remains capable of absorbing the damage. Moscow says its air-defence systems continue intercepting large numbers of Ukrainian drones, although the strikes have increasingly targeted strategic logistics and industrial facilities far from the front line.
War enters a new phase
As both sides adapt to evolving battlefield conditions, Ukraine’s latest reforms highlight the growing importance of maintaining manpower alongside technological advantages such as drone warfare.
Military analysts believe that improving pay, offering more flexible contracts and broadening international recruitment are intended to preserve Ukraine’s combat effectiveness as the conflict becomes increasingly prolonged. With neither side showing signs of backing down, personnel, financing and technological innovation are expected to remain decisive factors in the next phase of Europe’s largest conflict since the Second World War.
Newshub Editorial in Europe – 13 June 2026
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