Ukraine Offers New Incentives to Attract Young Recruits

Ukraine's Defense Ministry unveiled new incentives to recruit men aged 18 to 24 for military service as they deal with the frontline battle against Russia. The ministry aims to bolster its armed forces through financial incentives, including a one-time signing fee of 1 million hryvnias ($24,000) and a monthly salary of 120,000 hryvnias ($2,900). This offer follows the recent reduction of conscription age from 27 to 25, a move that failed to significantly boost military numbers. Current draft regulations exempt men aged 18 to 24, while targeting those between 25 and 60.

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced the new program, which also provides a 0% mortgage rate, higher education scholarships, dental and additional healthcare, permission to leave Ukraine after a year of service, and a 12-month draft waiver after contract completion. These benefits aim to counteract service shortfalls, including desertions and emigration. The change could cause dissatisfaction among current soldiers who earn lower salaries unless deployed to the front line. Uncertainty about US military aid, particularly from President Trump's administration, and criticism over the lack of a demobilization framework add to the challenges. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)