Ukraine prepares new model for mobilization, moves to contract-based service
Ukrainian army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi (photo: Getty Images)
Ukraine develops new formats for contract military service and introduces mandatory troop rotations for soldiers on the front line. The changes aim to gradually transition from a mobilization-based system to a contract-based model for staffing the armed forces, reports Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Recruitment reform, rotations
The top general said work is currently underway to implement President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's initiative to move toward a contract-based military model.
He has already tasked the General Staff with preparing specific proposals for new service formats.
"Our special focus is on mobilization and recruitment," he emphasized.
In addition, instructions have already been developed and signed that regulate the time troops remain on the frontline, with mandatory replacement of soldiers in frontline positions to take place no later than two months after deployment. An additional month is allocated for rotation.
Frontline situation, enemy losses
The situation along the line of contact remains difficult, as Russia has intensified offensives along nearly the entire front. The most tense area remains the Pokrovsk direction, where it has concentrated around 106,000 personnel.
Despite the pressure, Ukrainian forces continue operations in the Kursk region and are wearing down Russian troops. According to the top general, the Russian army loses at least 1,000 troops killed and wounded every day.
"The key to success lies in active defense and initiative on the battlefield. This makes it possible to exhaust the enemy and regain positions," Syrskyi concluded.
Long-range strikes
During April, Ukrainian Defense Forces intensified missile and drone strikes against rear facilities inside Russia.
Priority targets remain oil-refining infrastructure, fuel logistics, and defense-industry enterprises. In particular, Deep Strike assets hit 84 targets deep inside Russian territory.
Context of army chief's statements
Earlier, Oleksandr Syrskyi identified the Ukrainian army's main objective and his personal priority as maximizing the preservation of infantry lives through the introduction of modern technologies.
The commander-in-chief also previously reported that Russia urgently deploys four additional regiments and 162 batteries to counter Ukrainian strike drones. According to him, Russia plans to produce more than 7 million FPV drones within a year.
In addition, Syrskyi initiated increased compensation for military instructors. Ukraine also plans to update the training for mobilized personnel and significantly strengthen the role of professional teaching staff.
