Ukraine has announced a military reform plan focused on adjusting pay, recruitment, and service rules, with implementation set to begin in June. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the fifth year of full-scale war presents unique challenges in managing personnel and motivating soldiers. The Defense Ministry released details of the reform in mid-June, introducing new contracts and raising pay for some service members. The plan includes a minimum pay of Hr.30,000 ($667) for rear-area service and higher compensation for frontline service, with frontline contracts averaging Hr.300,000 ($6,667). Infantry and assault soldiers, who have high-risk roles, are among those receiving increased pay. The reform also establishes fixed service terms of 10–24 months and simplifies troop transfers. The plan aims to strengthen defense funding, modernize contracts, and introduce clearer service timelines in an army under strain since 2022. The reform plan expands foreign recruitment. Some Ukrainian soldiers have criticized the changes, according to Ukrainska Pravda, while others thanked the ministry for moving to reform the system. Ukrainian soldiers still do not know when they can return home after many years at the front. Separately, Zelensky returned the Polish Order of the White Eagle after Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped him of the award over Ukraine’s decision to name a military unit after a Ukrainian paramilitary organization. Zelensky wrote in a social media post that the Order of the White Eagle was meant for the Ukrainian People and our army.