Ukraine has launched the first phase of what officials describe as the most significant overhaul of its military personnel system since Russia’s full-scale invasion started. The reform would introduce fixed-term contracts, higher frontline pay, and a pathway toward eventual release from service as Kyiv braces for a protracted war.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. The reform, presented by Deputy Defense Minister Mstyslav Banik during a briefing in Kyiv on Monday, aims to address one of the Ukrainian military’s most sensitive challenges: Maintaining troop numbers while giving soldiers greater certainty about their length of service. For more than four years, thousands of Ukrainian troops mobilized during the early months of Russia’s full-scale invasion have remained in service without a clear timeline for leaving the military. Public frustration over indefinite service has fueled calls for demobilization, while military commanders have warned that large-scale releases could weaken frontline units. Banik said the newly approved contracts are intended to create a more predictable system without triggering a broader demobilization. “For the first time, there will be clear service terms and guaranteed deferments based on combat experience,” he said. Under the new framework, active-duty soldiers will be able to sign contracts as short as 10 months, compared with a minimum of 14 months for civilians entering military service.