Defense minister: Professionalization of Ukrainian army to cost Hr 35 billion in next four years

He noted that the last conscripts of the Ukrainian Navy were sent to the reserve on October 14.

“Therefore, our naval forces are already fully staffing the posts of sailors, soldiers, sergeants and petty officers exclusively with contract servicemen,” Medvedev said.

In general, according to the minister, the trends are positive.

“The number of those wishing to enter military service on contracts and those accepted for such service has increased,” he said.

As for the problems in this area, in his opinion, it is premature to talk about them.

“First of all, this process has only just begun. Secondly, today’s dynamics of staffing our Armed Forces with volunteers who chose military service on contracts as their profession indicates that this replacement is within our power. And, thirdly, we have quite significantly improved motivations for our future contract soldiers,” Lebedev said.

When asked to comment on funding for the transition to the contract-based staffing of the army, the minister said that over Hr 35 billion would be spent in this area over the next four years.

“As for the level of funding for the professionalization of the army, we’re planning to spend more than Hr 35 billion in this area over the next four years out of the Hr 90 billion envisaged for the maintenance of troops,” he said.