In 2026, Ukrainian servicemen are expecting changes in social benefits, salaries, new contract models, and state guarantees. Parliament passed a budget that does not increase base military pay, keeping the minimum at 20,000 UAH without combat bonuses—an amount that is gradually losing value due to inflation and now falls below Ukraine’s average salary.
A bill registered in the Verkhovna Rada proposes increasing state defense expenditures and funding for military salaries. Over 100 billion UAH could be allocated for this, providing a 10% increase compared to 2025. The new budget also funds social adaptation, psychological help for veterans, housing compensation and more.
The payment system remains unchanged: sums depend on rank, position and service conditions. The minimum guaranteed for new soldiers is 13,130 UAH, but higher-risk units receive larger starting salaries. Maximum monthly amounts can reach 200,000 UAH, especially for combat missions on the front line, which grant bonuses up to 100,000 UAH. There are also cumulative payments, one-off compensations, and annual bonuses for specific categories.
Injured soldiers get monthly and one-time compensation depending on established disability. Families of fallen soldiers receive 15 million UAH (20% immediately, the rest over 40 months). Salaries and additional bonuses are preserved for the families of those missing or captured.
The social package includes utilities discounts, preferential mortgages, tax exemptions, free rehabilitation, and education benefits for soldiers and their relatives. Ukraine may use part of a €90 billion EU loan for defense and for military pay increases.
In 2026, a new contract system is expected: fixed terms from 1 to 5 years, and a respite from mobilization after service ends. Base salaries and combat bonuses are set to increase. A key innovation is digital control for mobilized personnel: all service records will be tracked electronically, increasing transparency and reducing document manipulation.
The bills have not yet passed, but if adopted, these reforms will align military pay and social guarantees with NATO standards, guaranteeing transparency and support for all defenders.
