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The "Contract 18-24" initiative is an evolving Ukrainian military program designed to engage young citizens in national defense efforts. This program uniquely targets individuals aged 18 to 24, offering them short-term military service contracts with a focus on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations. Recently, the Ukrainian government, under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's directive, has expanded this initiative, integrating it into various defense branches including the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service. The program not only seeks to enhance the country's defense capabilities but also offers participants a 12-month deferral from mobilization upon completion of their service, providing significant career and educational benefits. The program is gaining momentum with increasing participation and recognition for the professionalism and resilience demonstrated by these young contract soldiers. With over 24 brigades currently involved, this initiative represents a substantial commitment to employing modern warfare technology and involving Ukraine's youth in pivotal defense roles.

What is the objective of the "Contract 18-24" military program?

The "Contract 18-24" program aims to recruit young Ukrainian individuals aged between 18 and 24 for short-term military service, primarily focused on operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other critical roles that support the country's defense strategy. By offering specialized training and substantial benefits, the initiative seeks to strengthen Ukraine's defense forces while providing valuable career and educational advantages to the youth involved.

How does the "Contract 18-24" program benefit participants?

Participants in the "Contract 18-24" program receive specialized training in UAV operations and other military roles, which equips them with valuable skills. Additionally, upon completing their service, they are granted a 12-month deferral from further mobilization, enhancing their educational and career opportunities. This initiative not only contributes to national security but also provides significant personal and professional development for young Ukrainians.

What role does the Ukrainian government play in the expansion of the "Contract 18-24" program?

The Ukrainian government, under the leadership of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has been instrumental in expanding the "Contract 18-24" program. This includes increasing the number of participating brigades and integrating additional branches such as the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service. The government's commitment to this program reflects its strategic focus on enhancing Ukraine's defense capabilities through the active involvement of its youth.

How many military units are currently participating in the "Contract 18-24" project?

The "Contract 18-24" project has expanded significantly to include over 24 brigades. This expansion demonstrates the Ukrainian military's commitment to integrating young servicemen and women into its ranks, enhancing both the operational capabilities of its forces and the participants' professional development through specialized training and assignments.

In what ways does the "Contract 18-24" program impact Ukraine's defense strategy?

The "Contract 18-24" program is a critical component of Ukraine's defense strategy, focusing on modernizing its military force by integrating advanced technology and unmanned systems. By recruiting and training young individuals in these fields, the program aims to bolster operational readiness and adaptability, maintaining a robust and technologically capable defense force.

What has been the reaction to the "Contract 18-24" program among military commanders?

Military commanders have praised the "Contract 18-24" program, notably for the endurance and professionalism shown by young recruits. The integration of these individuals into combat and strategic roles supports the broader goal of enhancing Ukraine's defense autonomy and operational effectiveness, vital for responding to contemporary security challenges.

What types of roles are available to participants in the "Contract 18-24" program?

The "Contract 18-24" program primarily focuses on roles related to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other technologically advanced defense operations. This prepares participants for critical positions in military strategy and operations, ensuring that they are engaged in tasks that enhance both their skills and Ukraine's defense capabilities.

Is there an option for deferment after completing the "Contract 18-24" program?

Yes, participants who complete their service under the "Contract 18-24" program are eligible for a 12-month deferment from further military mobilization. This deferment provides a valuable opportunity for participants to pursue further education or career development, reflecting the initiative's commitment to supporting the personal growth of Ukraine's youth while contributing to national defense.

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Duma sanctions short-term military contracts allowing for engaging in operations outside Russia The Russian State Duma has passed a bill to allow draftees and reservists to conclude short-term military contracts at a time of emergency or to participate in peacekeeping and anti-terrorist operations abroad. 11 746 49 World

всу 66,500 military signed contracts with Armed Forces of Ukraine since early 2016, - MoD Contract military service in the Armed Forces remains one of the most competitive jobs in Ukraine. 7 634 28 Ukrainian Politics

всу Rada allows soldiers to terminate military contracts during ATO Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, has supported as basis and as a whole the draft bill of Ukraine on amendments to some legislative acts of Ukraine on improvement of the military service. The amendments will allow dismissing servicemen from contract service during the special period (except for mobilization and martial law), as well as those whose contract term ended and they no longer wish to serve in the Army. 39 327 43 Ukrainian Politics

рада Parliament cancels equal benefits for draftees and contract soldiers during special period The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has canceled equal financial provision for drafted and contracted soldiers during the so-called 'special period.' 29 845 47 Ukrainian Politics

порошенко "No conscripts at front line in ATO area from today on," - Poroshenko The president said all drafted military have been transferred to the reserve. 44 285 163 Ukrainian Politics

Spokesperson for General Staff: No untrained servicemen to be sent in ATO area Only military with appropriate experience carry out combat missions at the forward defense line in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone in the Donbas. 7 636 55 Society

Mobilized soldiers to receive lump sum payment for enlisting in contract service, - MoD Mobilized soldiers will receive a remuneration in the amount of 8-10 minimum wages if they agree to sign an enlistment contract without leaving the service. 9 880 56 Economics

армия всу 40,800 soldiers signed contract with Ukrainian Armed Forces this year, - Defense Ministry 40,800 servicemen have signed contracts for military service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine since the beginning of 2016. 10 672 48 Incidents

армия награждение Rada allows military terminating evergreen contracts with Armed Forces during special period The Verkhovna Rada has supported the bill No 4689 on amendments to the Law of Ukraine "On military service". From now on, the law will allow military terminating evergreen contracts with the Armed Forces of Ukraine during a special period. 63 745 59 Ukrainian Politics

Demobilized soldiers to be replaced not by the newly drafted servicemen, but by contractors, - Poroshenko Demobilized soldiers of the 5th draft wave will be replaced not by the newly drafted servicemen, but by contract soldiers. 28 187 120 Society

гройсман "This is betrayal of national interests," - Hroisman on 2009 gas contract with Russia Back in 2009, Yuliia Tymoshenko signed gas contracts in which Ukraine's interests were not top priority. 115 717 618 Economics

армия всу Foreigners allowed serving in Ukrainian Armed Forces under contract, - Presidential Administration President Petro Poroshenko has singed a decree No 248/2016 "On approval of Regulations on military service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine by foreigners and stateless persons." 21 643 120 Ukrainian Politics

Over 1,000 people to sign contract with armed forces soon, - MoD More than 1,000 people have been selected for contract military service in the ranks of Ukraine's Armed Forces. 8 151 23 Ukrainian Politics

армия мобилизация военнослужащие 7th round of mobilization undecided, - Selezniov The 7th round of military mobilization may be cancelled. The General Staff will take a corresponding decision after the military exercises "Spring Thunder 2016" finish. 53 941 100 Ukrainian Politics

учения нацгвардия First brigade of light infantry of National Guard, created under NATO standards, continues recruiting. VIDEO The first light infantry brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine continues recruiting volunteers. 94 734 233 Ukrainian Politics

Next mobilization may be postponed if sufficient number of career soldiers recruit, - NSDC Secretary Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksandr Turchynov says that the decision on the next round of mobilization in spring will be made in March. 36 010 214 Incidents

контракт генштаб General Staff explains aspects of contract soldiers’ recruitment, training, and assignment The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has explained the aspects of recruitment of servicemen under contract, the details of their combat training and assignment to certain detachments. 20 716 23 Incidents

военные присяга корпус военнослужащие ато воины восточный Privates to be paid no less than 7,000 UAH under contract Nonrated military personnel serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine under the contract will get no less than 7,000 hryvnia (about $280) monthly. 31 746 179 Economics

армия Contract army wages to rise twofold in January, Ukraine's president says President Poroshenko says contract soldiers will see a 100 percent salary increase as early as this January. 35 333 114 Ukrainian Politics

яценюк yatseniuk Those responsible for power supplies contracts with Russian-occupied Crimea shall be brought to justice, Yatseniuk says Prime Minister of Ukraine Arsenii Yatseniuk calls on the Prosecutor General's Office to investigate possible violations during signing of an agreement for the supply of energy to the Russian-occupied Crimea. 50 487 270 Previously in trend: Power blockade of Crimea

контракт 14,500 contract soldiers were recruited in 2015, – General Staff. DOCUMENT The Armed Forces of Ukraine recruited more contract soldiers over the 11 months of 2015 than over the past year. 9 169 73 Ukrainian Politics

One of top priorities is contract servicemen wages increase, - Poroshenko at NSDC meeting The president took part in the session of the National Security and Defense Council on funding of the defense and security sector in 2016. 13 350 144 Ukrainian Politics

всу Rada allows foreigners serving in Ukrainian Army as contract soldiers The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has passed the bill "On amendments to certain legal acts of Ukraine regarding foreigners and stateless persons serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine" in the second reading and as the whole. 22 245 231 Ukrainian Politics

Rada authorizes military to enter into short-term contracts, - MP Pashynskyi The Verkhovna Rada has allowed soldiers to enter short-term contracts valid for six months or one year instead of the previously required three-year ones. 10 004 9 Ukrainian Politics

10,000 military enrolled under contract in 2015 10,092 soldiers have been enrolled on contract terms in Ukraine in 2015. 4 991 9 Ukrainian Politics

Poroshenko instructs to expand Ukraine's military contract service President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko instructed the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff to increase the number of military personnel serving under contract. 13 946 26 Ukrainian Politics

минобороны General Staff introduces short-term enlistment contracts, - Muzhenko In order to meet the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the General Staff initiates short-term (at least six-months period) contracts with the military drafted within mobilization, with their possible prolongation. 45 303 285 Ukrainian Politics

аваков avakov Army should be immediately switched into a professional contract one with reduction of its numerical strength and increase of salaries, - Interior Minister The Minister of Internal Affairs considers that the army must consist of professional contract soldiers. 48 734 371 Ukrainian Politics

газ газпром нафтогаз фирташ Yatseniuk: Total amount of Ukraine's claims against Gazprom exceeds $16 billion The total amount of claims of Naftohaz to Gazprom under the contracts on gas purchase and transit has already exceeded $16 billion. 47 579 526 Previously in trend: Gas War

Contract Details for Coal Delivery from South Africa to Ukraine Made Public. DOCUMENT The details of the contract between the state-owned company Ukrinterenergo and British company Steel Mont Trading became available. 95 138 283 Economics

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