Gnatov announces increase in frontline payments to 400 thousand hryvnias

The Chief of the General Staff hints at quick decisions regarding financial support that could change the balance of power on the front as early as this summer.

In the midst of a protracted war, when every hryvnia on the frontline becomes a matter of survival, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Andriy Hnatov, made it clear that the government is not just discussing, but is already preparing specific mechanisms for increasing payments to military personnel. These steps are seen as one of the key levers for replenishing the ranks of the Defense Forces in conditions when the Russian army exceeds 700 thousand people.

Financial Levers for Parity

According to Gnatov, there are currently over 700 Russian troops at the front. To counter such a force, Ukraine needs not only equipment or ammunition, but also people. Increasing cash support is seen as one of the most realistic motivational tools. The government has already developed several options for improving payments and is actively looking for sources of funding. A decision is expected to be made in the coming weeks.

The system of payments in the Armed Forces of Ukraine is complex and depends on the position, duration of participation in battles, direction and nature of the tasks. Gnatov emphasized that the proposed changes will primarily affect bonuses for performing combat missions in the first echelon. This means that the emphasis will be placed on those who directly maintain the defense on the front line.

From 30 thousand to 400 thousand: what they promise

Back in May 2026, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced plans for the reform, which was supposed to start in June. According to him, servicemen in rear positions could receive from 30 thousand hryvnias, and those performing combat missions - up to 200-400 thousand. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed that the Ministry of Defense is working on new contract forms with increased payments as early as 2026.

Gnatov did not give exact figures, but hinted that reviewing the allowances for the front line is a priority. This is not just a salary increase, but an attempt to make service in the most dangerous areas more financially attractive. Analysts believe that such steps could provide an additional 15-20 thousand volunteers every month.

Mobilization remains the only tool

Despite all efforts, the mobilization process in Ukraine is still difficult. Gnatov directly named the reasons: Russian information and psychological operations and the actions of individual Ukrainian public figures who consciously or unconsciously play along with the enemy. At the same time, he emphasized that mobilization is the only real mechanism for replenishing the army. There are currently no alternative ways.

In 2026, the General Staff records an increase in the number of evasions, but at the same time it records an increase in the number of volunteers after each wave of information campaigns about improving service conditions. This indicates a direct relationship between the level of payments and the desire of people to go to the front.

Rumors about the conflict between Syrsky and Fedorov are absurd

Gnatov categorically denied rumors about alleged disagreements between Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky and Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov regarding payments. According to him, neither the Commander-in-Chief nor the minister make decisions about financial support — this is the prerogative of the government and the Verkhovna Rada. He called such speculation simply absurd.

Instead, the General Staff emphasizes the coordinated work of all structures. In April 2026, a series of interdepartmental meetings were held, where not only the amounts were discussed, but also the mechanisms for transparent distribution of funds in order to avoid corruption risks.

International context and economic realities

The issue of payments to Ukrainian military personnel is not left out of the partners' attention. In May 2026, the European Union agreed on an additional package of financial support of 1,2 billion euros, part of which may be directed to social guarantees for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. At the same time, the United States continues to provide grants for defense needs, which indirectly affects the possibility of increasing payments.

Economists warn: any significant increase requires stable sources of financing. The government is considering options for redistributing budget expenditures, attracting international assistance, and optimizing tax policy. The main thing is to prevent inflationary pressure on the civilian sector.

What will happen with demobilization?

Separately, Gnatov touched on the topic of demobilization. According to him, the process will depend on the situation at the front and the number of mobilized. So far, no clear deadlines have been set, but the General Staff understands the need for rotations and personnel renewal. Increasing payments is also considered as a tool for retaining experienced soldiers in service.

Analysts predict that partial rotation for military personnel who have been at the front for more than 18 months may be introduced in the second half of 2026. This will be possible only if the ranks are steadily replenished with new contract soldiers.

Conclusions and perspectives

Andriy Gnatov's interview with LIGA.net was one of the clearest signals that the issue of financial support for the military has entered an active phase. The government, the General Staff, and the Ministry of Defense are working on specific decisions that may be adopted in the coming months. The main task is to ensure parity with the Russian army not only in terms of equipment, but also in terms of human resources.

Time will tell whether the ambitious plans for payments of up to 400 hryvnias will be implemented. However, the very fact that these issues are being actively discussed at the highest level indicates the seriousness of the state's intentions to support those who defend the country.