Partial demobilization of long-serving Ukrainian troops could begin by late 2026

Fedorov said eligibility for discharge will be determined using two key criteria: total time spent in military service and the number of combat days accumulated.

"If you have been serving since 2022 and have a significant number of combat days, you could be discharged under a presidential decree by the end of this year," Fedorov said.

The minister added that the number of troops released from service each month will depend on battlefield conditions and whether Russia announces an additional mobilization campaign.

Fedorov also addressed concerns among service members considering new contracts amid the planned reform.

"If you have been fighting since 2022 and hear that some form of discharge process will begin, but you do not know how many people will be released, what formula will be used, or whether you will qualify, you can sign a 24-month contract," he said.

"If you later become eligible for discharge in November or December, the presidential decree will take precedence, regardless of the contract you signed."

Army reform underway

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a broad military reform effort on May 1 aimed at strengthening Ukraine's contract service system and creating conditions for the eventual discharge of long-serving mobilized troops.

The first phase of the reform officially began June 12, when the Cabinet of Ministers approved a package of resolutions proposed by the Defense Ministry.

As part of the changes, Zelenskyy announced that the minimum monthly pay for troops serving in rear areas would increase from UAH 20,000 ($444) to UAH 30,000 ($667), based on an exchange rate of 45 hryvnias per U.S. dollar.

The average monthly compensation for frontline infantry personnel is expected to reach about UAH 300,000 ($6,667), while the maximum level could rise to UAH 460,000 ($10,222).

Combat unit commanders are also expected to receive a twofold increase in pay.

The Defense Ministry later clarified that higher compensation will primarily target troops performing high-risk missions.

Additional daily bonuses are expected to include:

• UAH 20,000 ($444) per day for strike and search operations;
• UAH 10,000 ($222) per day for holding combat positions;
• UAH 40,000 ($889) per day for assault operations involving territorial advances.

Deputy Defense Minister Mstyslav Banik said on June 15 that the increased military compensation would be financed from the ministry's existing budget without requiring additional funding.