Since February 2025, a new project has been launched in Ukraine offering citizens aged 18 to 24 the opportunity to sign a contract and become part of the country's Defense Forces. The first volunteers have already arrived, who, under the “Contract 18-24” program, began serving in the army and have already received their first payments from the state.
This was reported by URA-Inform, with reference to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
This project is the result of an initiative by President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine aimed at attracting young people to the army. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed that the contract offer differs from traditional mobilization, offering attractive conditions to young people. The program is focused on decent financial compensation, professional training according to NATO standards and social guarantees that are not provided by any civilian profession.
According to the General Staff, the program provides not only for wages, but also significant social privileges for military personnel. For example, after a year of military service, young people will be able to go abroad, get a higher education for free and take out a mortgage at 0%. Such conditions make the contract attractive to young people seeking career growth and better living conditions.
Zelensky noted that the one-year motivational contract allows the young man and woman who signed it not only to serve in the army, but also to receive important benefits, such as free education and preferential loans for the purchase of housing. He also emphasized that the program is not mobilization, but a voluntary choice that ensures the protection of the country and the opportunity for personal growth.
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