Military service and support for defenders in 2026: what does the state plan to introduce?

In 2026, Ukraine is expecting important changes in the field of military service and social support for defenders. These include new approaches to contracts, increased financial guarantees, and expanded assistance programmes for military personnel, veterans, and their families. Learn more about the key decisions that the state plans to implement

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At the beginning of 2026, Ukraine is expected to see significant changes in the field of military service and social security for defenders. As Finance.ua notes, the state is preparing to update the contract system, increase financial guarantees for the military, and expand support programmes for veterans and families of the fallen.

We will discuss the specific decisions being considered and what military personnel and veterans can expect in this article.

New model of contract service

One of the main changes in 2026 will be the transition to an updated system of military contracts. It is planned that contract service will have clearly defined terms, ranging from one to five years. After the end of a long-term contract, servicemen will be granted a guaranteed deferral from mobilisation for a period of 12 months. This approach should make the system more predictable and understandable for those who decide to sign a contract.

Increase in monetary allowance

One of the important areas of planned changes is an increase in basic payments for new contract soldiers. An increase in monetary allowance to around 50-60 thousand hryvnia per month is being considered. At the same time, all allowances and combat payments will be retained. This is expected to strengthen the motivation of military personnel and contribute to the formation of a more stable army.

Expanding support for veterans

2026 is set to be an important year in the development of state policy on veterans. The concept of a programme to support veteran entrepreneurship for 2026–2028 has already been approved. In addition, the budget provides funding for psychological assistance, professional adaptation, housing compensation and even certain medical services, including dental care. The aim of these initiatives is to provide veterans not only with social protection, but also with opportunities for development and a return to civilian life.

State guarantees and social benefits for military personnel

In parallel with financial support, the state also maintains other benefits for military personnel and combatants. The status of combatant opens up access to a number of important social guarantees, from discounts on housing and utility services and preferential mortgages to exemption from certain penalties and tax obligations. There are also opportunities for free rehabilitation, prosthetics and educational support for both military personnel and their children.

Support for families of the deceased, prisoners of war and missing persons

A separate area of focus is assistance to the families of fallen defenders. A payment of 15 million hryvnia is provided, part of which is paid immediately, and the rest in instalments over a set period. Payments are also maintained for the families of military personnel who are captive or missing in action: their family members continue to receive their official salary and additional remuneration.

Reminder! Ukraine is preparing for a large-scale digital transformation of its military system: the state is transitioning to comprehensive electronic record-keeping, tracking the actions of conscripts and recording every stage of their journey — from receiving documents to arriving at their unit. How the ‘mobilised check-in’ will work, what stages the system will cover and what this will change for the military and the state — we explain here.

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