Ukraine Moves to Revamp Military Service

Ukraine plans to introduce fixed-term military contracts alongside its system of conscription, moving to address a pressing need to attract recruits and ease the strain on soldiers worn down by years of fighting.
Until now, Ukrainian soldiers have served under open-ended contracts, leaving them with no control over their future. Enthusiasm for enlistment has waned, with Ukrainians fearful that indefinite duty amounts to a one-way ticket to the front line.
Under the new system, both current service members and recruits will be able to sign fixed-term contracts lasting one to five years, Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal said Monday night as he announced the plan.
The new system will not replace mobilization, which Ukraine has long relied on to replenish its battered army. But Mr. Shmyhal said that any soldier who signed a contract of two years or more would receive a one-year deferment from potential future mobilization after completing the term.