Ukraine to Overhaul Armed Forces: Pay Rises and Rotation Changes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a reform of the armed forces, due to take effect in June. He said the first concrete results should be visible almost immediately, particularly in the area of soldiers' pay.

The reform will focus on increasing salaries for rank-and-file soldiers as well as sergeants and commanders of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. It also envisages a strengthening of the contractual system, pointing to efforts to stabilize personnel and increase the professionalisation of the army.

Zelensky also acknowledged the possibility of gradually demobilizing long-serving soldiers, a move likely connected to the need to rotate forces or reduce personnel attrition after years of war.

(reuters)