Ukraine has approved a new pilot program expanding financial incentives for military personnel, introducing performance-based compensation that includes rewards of up to 100,000 hryvnias ($2,233) for troops involved in capturing a Russian servicemember.
Coordinated by Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, the measure establishes new contract options with enhanced benefits for troops serving on the front line, in assault units, at command posts, and in other combat-related positions.
The program applies across the Ukrainian Armed Forces, military intelligence, the National Guard, Border Guard Service, Security Service, Foreign Intelligence Service, and several other security agencies operating under martial law.
Under the framework, personnel operating at the closest points of contact with Russian forces may receive up to 170,000 hryvnias ($3,790) per month, depending on the location and intensity of their missions.
Personnel can earn 20,000 hryvnias ($446) per day for restoring positions seized by enemy infiltration groups and 40,000 hryvnias ($893) per day for capturing enemy positions during assault operations.
In addition, a 15,000-hryvnia ($335) reward is available for the confirmed close-range elimination of enemy personnel, provided the action is supported by video evidence.
The government capped total monthly payments under the program at 460,000 hryvnias ($10,200) per servicemember.
Manpower Shortages
The new incentive package comes as Ukraine continues to grapple with manpower shortages and retention challenges after more than four years of war.
In April, reports indicated a rise in unauthorized absences from military units, with estimates suggesting as many as 150,000 service members may currently be absent from their units.
Soldiers have cited prolonged deployments, combat fatigue, and the intense demands of frontline service as key contributing factors.
