The Ministry of Defense has launched the "Contract 18-24" project, which allows young men to voluntarily join the Defense Forces for a period of one year.
Relevant information has been published on the agency's website.
Mobilization in Ukraine: Latest Changes in LegislationInfographic – the latest legislative changes regarding mobilization specifics in Ukraine. The Ministry of Defense indicated that this project opens new opportunities for volunteers aged 18-24, particularly offering decent financial rewards and social guarantees that "no civilian profession can provide."
"Contract 18-24 is not coercion, not mobilization, and not an obligation. It is an opportunity for individuals to make a conscious choice, gain combat experience, and achieve financial stability in just one year. The volunteer decides for themselves: to continue service or return to civilian life, equipped with unique prospects," stated Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
The "Contract 18-24" project includes:
a contract worth 1,000,000 UAH, of which 200,000 UAH is paid upfront, and the remainder during the service;
the option to obtain a mortgage at a zero interest rate;
training funded by the state;
free medical care, including dental prosthetics;
the right to travel abroad after one year of service;
exemption from mobilization for 12 months after the contract ends.
The Ministry of Defense added that applications can be submitted on the website 18-24.army.gov.ua, as well as through the "Reserve+" app.
It is worth noting that the U.S. administration has urged Ukraine's military-political leadership to lower the mobilization age to 18.
However, President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Ukraine should not compensate for the lack of equipment and training with young soldiers. Instead, focus should be placed on supporting the existing Armed Forces brigades.
Earlier, media reported that in 2024 Ukraine mobilized 200,000 individuals, but the Armed Forces still face a soldier shortage.