Ukraine ramps up 18-24 program to motivate more troops
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (t me V_Zelenskiy_official)
The 18-24 Contract program will be expanded once again. Ukraine aims to recruit individuals for drone-related roles, stated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his evening address.
According to Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko briefed him on a number of project-based decisions related to defense programs and budget funding.
These include amendments to the state budget to ensure all necessary payments to Ukrainian soldiers and the families of fallen defenders. Zelenskyy noted that certain issues require legislative adjustments and expressed hope that the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament - ed.) would support the relevant proposals.
He also stated that the government has already prepared an expansion of the contract program for the 18–24 age group. The goal, according to Zelenskyy, is to attract highly motivated individuals to work with drones. The program is expected to be presented by Svyrydenko.
The 18–24 Contract in Ukraine
In February, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the Ministry of Defense was developing a special military contract for citizens aged 18 to 24. According to the ministry, volunteers who join under the 18–24 Contract program will receive a payment of 1 million hryvnias.
Later, the Ministry of Defense confirmed the program’s expansion, including an increase in the number of military positions available for young people to enlist under the contract.
Previously, RBC-Ukraine published a guide on how to apply for the 18–24 Contract program, what documents are required for passing the military medical commission, and what steps are involved in signing a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
