End of mobilization: how the Armed Forces of Ukraine will evolve following the shift to contract-based service.

An alternative to mobilization may be voluntary enlistment of youth in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Colonel Pavlo Palisa, Deputy Head of the President's Office, stated that this is just the first step in a larger program. Specifically, the country aims to gradually abandon mobilization.

"I'll spoil it a bit; this is the first stage of a larger program, which will discuss the possibility for already mobilized citizens of Ukraine to sign contracts with clear terms and corresponding financial bonuses," — said Pavlo Palisa.

Contract Service: How Ukraine is Moving Away from Mobilization

"Currently, first of all, a very attractive package and initiative for voluntary contract service will be offered to citizens aged 18 to 24. This is a very important tool because we are not talking about lowering the mobilization age. Instead, we are encouraging young people who are ready to serve by signing contracts and receiving payments, benefits, etc.," — said Oleksandr Musienko.

According to him, voluntary contract service has certain advantages that are outlined in the document. Furthermore, contract service with clear terms can be a motivating factor for citizens.

Military expert, reserve colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleg Zhdanov is convinced that it is indeed possible to abandon mobilization to establish contract service. However, the question lies in motivating people.

He noted that contract service and a professional army are much more effective tools than "mobilization," which leads to a high percentage of cases of health issues.

"Contracts are signed on a voluntary basis. The motivation that the state creates must meet the demands, including social, financial, and societal needs. If a compromise is reached between the desire for benefits, motivation, and the capabilities that the state provides, then this will lead to a voluntary army on a permanent basis. This is the dream of every state," — stated the expert.

When asked when Ukraine will be able to abandon mobilization and establish contract service, Musienko noted that it is difficult for him to say. Currently, these decisions are being developed, and all details are being coordinated to ensure that the new initiative does not lead to a decrease in defense capability, but rather enhances it.

In turn, Zhdanov noted that the transition to contract service could take six months or more. This will depend on how capable and ready the state is to transition the mobilized army to a professional basis.

Financial Bonuses for Military Personnel: Will Ukraine Have Enough Funds?

Oleksandr Musienko is convinced that when it comes to the survival of Ukrainians, which depends on the army and defense capability, funds must be found through internal resources and support from partners.

He reminded that partners had suggested lowering the mobilization age to increase the size of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, but Ukraine does not agree to this. Instead, according to Musienko, the state is offering "better and more favorable conditions."

"In preparing this decision, there will be a clear calculation to ensure that funds are found and allocated in the budget," — he added.

According to Zhdanov, Ukraine will have money for financial bonuses for military personnel if it stops "building roads, nuclear power plants."

Recall that on February 11, the Ministry of Defense announced a project "Contract 18-24" to attract people to the army. According to the terms, young people will receive a one-year contract, high monetary compensation, and social benefits.

On the same day, Ministry of Defense spokesman Dmytro Lazutkin noted that a payment of one million hryvnias may also be received by those servicemen who voluntarily joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine from the beginning of the full-scale invasion and are under 25 years old.