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Fewer Than 500 Contracts Signed: Palisa Explains Challenges in Recruiting Under the “18–24” Program

Illustrative photo / Photo by the Ministry of Defence
Illustrative photo / Photo by the Ministry of Defence

Deputy Head of the President’s Office Pavlo Palisa said that despite the large number of people wishing to join the Armed Forces under the Contract 18-24 programme, less than 500 contracts have been signed to date. He said this in an interview with Bihus.Info.

According to Palisa, the programme has received an ‘extremely large number’ of applications, but not all of them end in a contract. The Presidential Office is analysing why some volunteers change their minds at the final stage.

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‘Sometimes parents have an influence. Somewhere, they thought that peace was about to come, and they no longer need to. There are many reasons. We are studying them to draw conclusions,’ explained the deputy head of the OP.

According to Bihus.Info, about 1,500 people are currently at the stage of agreeing on terms and signing contracts.

**What does the Contract 18-24 programme envisage?

In February, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a new form of contract service for young people aged 18 to 24 – citizens who are not yet subject to mobilisation. The service is voluntary, with a one-year contract and a number of incentives:

  • A one-time payment of UAH 1 million (UAH 200,000 immediately, the rest during the service)
  • monthly allowance of up to UAH 120 thousand;
  • zero per cent mortgage;
  • free education and medical care;
  • the right to travel abroad after a year of service;
  • deferral from mobilisation for 12 months after the end of the contract.

Volunteers under this programme hold combat positions. During a year of service, they must spend six months on the front line performing combat missions. They can choose one of 18 brigades.


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