March 27, 2025

Contract 18-24: The New Army Project in Detail

A voluntary initiative for Ukrainians aged 18-24 who are ready to join the Defense Forces.

Jerome

In February, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine officially launched the “Contract 18-24” project. This is a voluntary initiative for Ukrainians aged 18-24 who are ready to join the Defense Forces for one year. After determining the candidate’s suitability for military service, the commander of the military unit signs a one-year contract with them. A mandatory condition of the contract is direct participation in combat operations in areas of military (combat) action.

After signing the contract, the commander issues an order appointing the candidate to the selected or proposed vacant position and officially enlists them in the military unit, providing all necessary support and resources. Additionally, within three working days, the commander must inform the head of the Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center, where the individual is registered for military service, as well as their employer, about their enlistment. Once the contract is signed and the service member begins fulfilling their duties, the first installment of the financial reward—200,000 UAH (~4,470 EUR)—is paid within five working days.

After signing the contract, the recruit is sent for intensive training, which includes:

Basic general military training – 45 days
Specialized training – 14 days
Adaptation course within the military unit – 14 days

After completing training and adaptation, the service member begins duty in the selected unit. From this moment, they are assigned to combat (or special) tasks, which is confirmed by a separate order from the unit commander. Based on this order, the second installment of the financial reward—300,000 UAH (~6,700 EUR)—is paid. During service, the service member also receives a monthly salary according to their position, along with additional payments for direct participation in combat operations. Upon completion of the one-year contract and issuance of the order for removal from the personnel list, the service member, provided all contractual obligations have been fulfilled, receives the final installment of the financial reward—500,000 UAH (~11,175 EUR). From this moment, they gain the right to apply for a preferential mortgage with a “zero” interest rate, as well as the right to travel abroad freely.

The volunteer also decides for themselves whether to continue service or return to civilian life. The law guarantees exemption from mobilization for 12 months after the completion of the military contract.

Units supporting the initiative

Volunteers can pick which unit to join, and the initiative gradually expands to more Ukrainian units. The following units currently accept volunteers from the Contract 18-24 initiative.