Ukraine’s Defense Ministry plans a transformation of military service. According to lawmaker Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, speaking on 24 Kanal, the reform includes new contracts with clear service periods, higher payments, a right to deferment after contract expiration, automatic approval of transfer requests, and a new mechanism for the return of soldiers who have gone absent without leave (AWOL).
Yurchyshyn criticized that the reform should have been initiated two and a half years ago. He added that the Finance Ministry has raised concerns because the Defense Ministry has not identified a funding source for the transformation. The required funds are enormous, he said. While there is a reserve fund for defense, new unplanned expenses arise every year — which is understandable in wartime.
The lawmaker emphasized that despite all criticism, the reform is a positive step. In addition to mobilization obligations, there must be additional incentives, especially financial ones. He hopes that the relevant committee on national security and defense will begin clarifying matters next week, as many questions remain open, particularly among soldiers who have been serving since 2022.
Source: 24tv.ua
