TASS reported that the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has just announced a new military recruitment program called the "18-24 Contract" to attract men aged 18 to 24 to join military service under contracts. This is considered an effort to solve the shortage of human resources of the army of this country.
According to the announcement from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, participants will sign a one-year contract with attractive financial support. The total amount of support could be up to 1 million hryvnia (about 24,000 USD), including an initial payment of 200,000 hryvnia, 300,000 hryvnia after completing the training, and 500,000 hryvnia at the end of the contract.
In addition, soldiers participating in the program can receive a monthly salary of up to 120,000 hryvnia (about $2,900), along with additional bonuses for participating in combat missions.
The news agency informed that the program also comes with many social assistance policies, including rent-to-house allowances during service, 0% home loans under the eOselia program, and free university tuition according to state rates.
In particular, after completing the contract, the soldiers will be exempted from total mobilization for 12 months and have the right to leave Ukraine freely.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov emphasized that this program is part of a plan to build a more professional army, attracting motivated new recruits and creating conditions for fair service. We are building a new military recruitment system that meets modern challenges, he said.
Mr. Umerov also affirmed that this program not only helps strengthen the military force but also brings career opportunities to young people. We are not only looking for those who are ready to fight, but also giving them the skills and opportunities to develop after completing their missions, he added.
However, Ukraine's implementation of this military recruitment program comes as the country is facing pressure from the US to lower the total age limit to 18. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian army is still having many difficulties in adding forces as the conflict with Russia continues.
