Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov explained how the deferral period will be calculated for soldiers whose contracts have ended under the new contract system. Fedorov stated that the system aims to fairly consider the soldier's previous service.
According to Fedorov, personnel with expired contracts will be guaranteed deferral rights. However, the length of this period will vary not only based on the type of contract but also on how long the soldier has served previously and the extent of their participation in conflicts.
Deferral Calculation Based on Service and Combat Experience
The new calculation model will apply different methods for various contract types. Combat experience and years of service will be considered together; nevertheless, a minimum six-month deferral is planned for everyone.
Fedorov provided an example calculation for a civilian soldier who signed a 14-month infantry assault contract. If this person spent four months in a conflict zone during their service, they would receive an additional 12 months of deferral, resulting in a total deferral period of one and a half years including the guaranteed time.
The minister explained that a different calculation would apply if an active-duty soldier signed a similar contract. For personnel serving since 2021, six months are added for each year from 2022 onward, and one month for each year before 2022.
According to Fedorov's example, this method extends the total deferral period to 3 years and 7 months by adding two years and one month to the initial 1.5 years. The minister said this arrangement aims to provide soldiers with extended service a longer rest period after their duty ends.
Phased Discharge Plan by Year-End
Fedorov also stated that a phased discharge process will begin by the end of the year for soldiers who have served the longest and spent the most time in conflict zones. Details about the new contract conditions and deferral calculations can be accessed through the Armed Forces' contract system website and the hotline number 1519.
It was reminded that the minister had previously provided explanations about the return mechanism from the Armed Forces via "Army+".