Defense Ministry Details Funding Procedure for Volunteers Joining the Armed Forces Prior to "18-24" Initiative
Revised Article:
Ukraine's "Contract 18-24": Huge Monetary Reward for Young Volunteers - But What's the Catch?
Looking for an adrenaline rush, a sense of purpose, and a pocket-bulging sum? Here's the lowdown on Ukraine's intriguing "Contract 18-24" program!
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine recently unveiled a tantalizing offer for young volunteers aged 18 to 24: serve your country in the Armed Forces, and you'll reap a life-changing reward of 1 million hryvnias. But don't rush to enlist just yet - there's more to this deal than meets the eye.
According to the Ministry, to claim this lump sum, you'll need to fulfill some conditions and present a stack of documents. Here's the rundown:
- Service Records: Extracts from service lists, copies of service cards, and references about completing military service (or labor activities) are necessary.
- Combat Participation References: Details about your direct involvement in combat actions, absence (or presence) of disciplinary issues, and special circumstances must be documented too.
- Proof of Combat Participation: Combat orders, operational journals, combat reports, and commander reports help confirm your active participation in battles.
It's worth noting that the reference issued in accordance with Annex 6 to the Procedure for Granting and Withdrawing the Status of Participant in Combat Actions isn't an automatic ticket to the million-hryvnia windfall, as it doesn't cover all relevant factors.
But don't let paperwork overwhelm you - here's what else you should know about Ukraine's intriguing contract:
- Age Limit: You must be between 18 and 24, and not subject to mobilization.
- Service Commitment: You'll sign a one-year contract for military service.
- Combat Positions: You'll be assigned combat roles during service.
- Mobilization Exemption: After completing your service, you'll receive temporary protection from being drafted for a year.
- Monthly Salary and Additional Payments: Expect a monthly salary of up to 120,000 hryvnias (approximately $2,900), with additional payments for combat missions.
- Interest-Free Mortgage and Education Benefits: Interest-free housing loans and free university education are up for grabs upon completing your service.
- Payment Structure: You'll receive the reward in installments: 200,000 hryvnias upon signing the contract, and the rest distributed during your service period.
Want to know more about this adventurous opportunity? Check out these articles:
- "Contract 18-24": The Armed Forces Explain the Most Popular Specialties and Candidates' Motivation
- "A Million Hryvnia Contract": Will Money Help Strengthen the Army and What's Wrong with the Motivational Project for Youth
- "Contracts in the Armed Forces for Youth: How Volunteers Under 25 Can Serve Their Military Service"
Remember, the devil is in the details, so read the fine print before you sign on the dotted line. Happy enlisting!
- The Society of Political Journalists issued a discussion on the impact of Ukraine's "Contract 18-24" on general-news, business, and politics.
- In 2025, the ministry of finance in Ukraine announced motivational incentives for volunteers under the "Contract 18-24", offering a substantial reward of 1 million hryvnias.
- The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine stated that the business sector has shown interest in sponsoring Ukraine's "Contract 18-24" and promoting it as a motivational force for young people's career paths.
- Various political leaders in Ukraine have criticized the "Contract 18-24", arguing that it might promote a culture of materialism among young volunteers and be detrimental to society.
- The Ukraine parliament's general-news committee has called for a review of the "Contract 18-24", citing concerns about its potential long-term effects on the nation's youth and military readiness.
