Expansion of the ‘Contract 18–24’ program now covers all combat units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces
The Ukrainian authorities have taken a significant step in advancing military mobilization policies by officially announcing the expansion of the ‘Contract 18–24’ program, which now applies to all combat units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Deputy Head of the President’s Office, Pavlo Palisa, conveyed that this experimental project, initially limited to a few brigades, will now be accessible to all military formations, opening additional opportunities for young Ukrainians aged 18 to 24 to serve in the army.
According to him, the new approach allows anyone within this age range to choose any brigade, thereby promoting the recruitment of motivated youth and enhancing national defense.This initiative is a logical extension of the country’s strategic efforts and aligns with legislative changes approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on February 11.
The resolution establishes the possibility of signing one-year contracts for volunteers aged 18 to 24, with a one-time financial aid of 1 million hryvnias.Furthermore, the Ministry of Defense announced that volunteers aged 18-24 who joined the military before the enactment of the new contractual terms are also eligible to receive this financial support, serving as a significant motivational factor for young people.
On March 24, President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the program’s results during a meeting at the Staff Headquarters and confirmed plans to expand it further.Notably, on April 9, the government approved the extension of this model to the State Border Guard Service and the National Guard, significantly impacting mobilization reserves and youth engagement.
This ambitious initiative has sparked lively discussions regarding its effectiveness and whether monetary incentives and career prospects truly motivate young people to enlist, addressing the question of whether financial support can fundamentally change attitudes toward military service.Overall, the ‘Contract 18–24’ program, now applied across all Ukrainian Armed Forces combat units, has become a crucial tool in defending Ukraine’s sovereignty, fostering youth participation in the ongoing struggle for independence, security, and territorial integrity.