Experimenting on youth: pitfalls of contracts for 18-year-olds.

A detailed analysis of the government decree, highlighting what attracts youth and what concerns them, is presented in the legal expert analysis by Vladislav Lukyanenko from "Verity Group" for Novini.LIVE.

Contract Conditions for Ages 18-25

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine published a decree on February 11, 2025, No. 153, which outlines the conditions for an experimental project concerning contracts for individuals aged 18 to 25. This decree aims to increase motivation among certain categories of citizens, particularly the youth who are not currently subject to mobilization, to serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).

However, there are several key points emphasized by the lawyer. The contract is established for service in the following official positions:

• shooter, senior shooter, sniper, sanitary shooter;
• grenade launcher assistant, grenade launcher, senior grenade launcher;
• reconnaissance soldier, senior reconnaissance soldier.

"The contract is concluded for a period of one year with the mandatory condition of direct participation of such citizens in combat operations in areas of military (combat) actions for a total duration of at least six months during the contract period," the lawyer explained.

Therefore, this is not the same as compulsory military service, as individuals will have to fight and work solely within the specified list of professions.

How to Sign the Contract

Those who wish to enlist must submit an application either to recruitment centers or through the recruitment units of military units.

This can be done via the electronic cabinet for conscripts. After that, the application is sent to the chosen military unit within one working day, and if the commander decides to accept the individual, their enlistment will be organized.

The military unit will arrange:

• the conduct of professional-psychological selection;
• the referral of the individual for a medical examination to determine fitness for military service based on health status;
• intensive training: basic general military training lasting at least 45 days, professional training — at least 14 days, and an adaptation course in the military unit — 14 days.

"One of the mandatory conditions for military service is direct participation in combat operations in areas of military (combat) actions for a total of no less than six months during the contract period," the lawyer reiterated.

Payment Amounts — What the Contract Soldier Will Receive

"Service members who enter into a contract under this procedure will receive a one-time financial assistance after signing the contract, completing the necessary training, and starting their duties in military units, amounting to 1 million hryvnias," the lawyer explained.

The money will be paid in three installments:

• the first installment — 200,000 hryvnias within five working days after signing the contract and starting their duties;
• the second installment — 300,000 hryvnias within five working days after completing the necessary training and being assigned to combat tasks;
• the third installment — 500,000 hryvnias on the day of removal from the personnel list of the military unit, or if continuing military service under a new contract — on the last day of the contract's validity.

It is important to note that if martial law is terminated or canceled, the unpaid third installment of the one-time financial assistance will be paid on the day of removal from the personnel list of the military unit, proportionally calculated based on the duration of military service at the rate of 1/6 of 500,000 hryvnias for every 30 days of service during martial law (calculated cumulatively), but not exceeding 500,000 hryvnias.

If an individual prematurely terminates the contract due to family circumstances or other valid reasons, the unpaid portions of the one-time financial assistance will not be disbursed.

In the case of contract termination due to injury (trauma, concussions, disabilities) while defending the homeland, the unpaid portion will be paid in full on the day of removal from the personnel list of the military unit.

"There is also a clause stating that if a service member systematically fails to meet the contract conditions, they must fully reimburse the one-time financial assistance paid to them; the unpaid portion of such assistance will not be provided," added the lawyer.

Systematic failure to meet contract conditions by a service member is considered:

• improper performance or refusal to perform the obligations assumed upon signing the contract;
• being subject to criminal liability, administrative liability for committing military administrative offenses, or based on a written order for disciplinary responsibility for violating military discipline two or more times cumulatively.

It is also important to note that after successfully completing the contract and a year of service, such individuals are exempt from mobilization for 12 months from the date of discharge from military service. They can be called up or accepted into military service with their consent.

Crossing the Border After Service

Men who have served in the military under the aforementioned contract conditions have the right to cross the state border of Ukraine during martial law.

Crossing the state border of Ukraine is permitted with:

• a certificate issued by the commander of the military unit indicating the details of the contract;
• military accounting document.

Contract soldiers can also expect to receive a loan at 0% annual interest.

It is worth noting that public figure and human rights activist Captain Masi-Mustafa Naiem stated that such conditions for 18-year-olds devalue those who voluntarily joined the army at the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

Previously, we wrote that applications for the "Contract 18-24" can be submitted at "Reserve+".