Zelenskyy announces start of major Ukrainian army reform

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced a large-scale reform of the armed forces, with key areas of the changes agreed in April.

Sharing a post on X, he said final details are expected to be approved in May, Caliber.Az reports.

The main goal of the reform, according to Zelenskyy, is to increase military salaries “based on the principle of fairness.”

We are launching an army reform. Throughout April, the key areas of the reform were agreed – the military command and the Government defined the framework for change. Now, in May, all key details will be finalized. In June, the reform will begin – and the first results must… pic.twitter.com/pvK6eZ1sTd

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 1, 2026

“Specifically, combat missions on the frontline, real combat and leadership experience, and the effectiveness of a servicemember must guarantee increased pay,” he noted.

Zelenskyy made it clear that the minimum pay for rear-echelon positions should be at least 30,000 hryvnias ($750), while combat roles would receive significantly higher compensation.

For infantry personnel, the plan includes introducing special contracts with payments ranging from 250,000 to 400,000 hryvnias ($6,250–$10,000), depending on the fulfilment of combat tasks.

Starting in 2026, the process of releasing previously mobilised soldiers from service is expected to begin, based on clear time criteria.

Zelenskyy stressed that the reform is intended to strengthen troop motivation and improve the effectiveness of the armed forces amid the ongoing conflict.

“Next week, I expect a report on concrete steps to implement the reform – including the schedule for increased payments starting in June and the system of updated contracts,” he added.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov