The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has clarified the procedure for receiving a monetary reward of 1 million hryvnias for volunteers who joined the ranks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces before the start of the “18-24” program and continue to serve today
This became clear with the publication of official instructions explaining the required list of documents and the process for registration to participate in the payments. According to representatives of the Ministry of Defense, assistance of such a significant amount is one of the main motivators for young people aged 18 to 24 who, from the very first days of the full-scale invasion of Ukrainian territory, voluntarily enlisted in the Ukrainian army. It is important to note that, in accordance with government resolutions and orders of the Ministry, these volunteers are entitled to such a monetary reward regardless of when they joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces — whether before the start of the "18-24" program or after its approval. Official information indicates that to receive the 1 million hryvnias, one must gather the following documents: extracts from service records, copies of personnel and service cards, proof of service, as well as certificates issued in established forms. Particular emphasis is placed on confirming the service member’s participation in combat operations: for this, it is necessary to provide an appropriate combat order or directive, combat logs or operational reports, combat reports, and commanders’ reports. In other words, without detailed proof that the service member actually participated in hostilities, it will not be possible to receive the funds. The Ministry emphasizes that to confirm participation in combat operations, evidence must be collected from all places of service if the service member served in different units. Requests from military units can assist with this, but the individual service member also has the right to independently request necessary certificates to expedite the payment process. The Deputy Minister of Defense added that not all certificates, particularly those issued according to annexes to the procedure for granting the status of a participant in hostilities, can serve as grounds for receiving the reward. Accordingly, the periods indicated in such documents cannot be considered confirmation of combat experience, as they may include both genuine active combat periods and other situations that are not eligible for payments. It is recalled that on February 11, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the procedure for signing one-year contracts for volunteers aged 18 to 24, with a promise of a one-time assistance of 1 million hryvnias. The relevant decision states that even young soldiers who joined the army before the official start of this program are eligible to receive this compensation. Subsequently, on March 24, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that during an operational meeting, the results of the "Contract 18-24" program were discussed, and there were considerations to expand it. Additionally, on April 9, the Cabinet of Ministers approved further mechanisms to expand this initiative, now including not only the Ukrainian Armed Forces but also the State Border Guard Service and the National Guard, aimed at further motivating youth to serve in the defense of the country. However, official data indicate that as of mid-April, the number of young volunteers who signed contracts within the "18-24" project remains low — fewer than five hundred individuals, raising questions about the effectiveness of motivational measures. Public discussion and media coverage emphasize the importance of such initiatives for strengthening the Ukrainian army, as well as underline that money is just one element of motivating young servicemen. Despite the substantial compensation, many young people are also contemplating prospects for service, opportunities for education and career growth, and the official support from the state during a critical period for the country. Thus, the payment process has entered a new phase, and the Ministry of Defense reiterates the need for thorough collection of documentation for those seeking to receive the monetary reward. It is clear that verifying combat experience and service remains a key part of this mechanism, and the right to receive the 1 million hryvnias should go to everyone who has truly demonstrated themselves in difficult combat conditions, defending Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity.