Government endorses changes to improve service conditions and support for military personnel

On the Day of Defenders of Ukraine, the Government approved several changes aimed at improving service conditions and support for military personnel, as announced by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.

Specifically:

1. Simplified Transfer Procedure Between Armed Forces and National Guard. 

The Government has streamlined the process for transferring military personnel between the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and the National Guard. 

“Previously, transfers were only possible within the same structure. Now, military personnel can submit an electronic request via the Army+ app to change their place of service between the Armed Forces and the National Guard,” said the Prime Minister. 

 Clear timelines for processing transfers have also been established: 

   - A military unit commander must respond to a transfer order within 3 days. 

   - The AFU Personnel Center reviews justified requests from commanders to cancel a transfer within 5 days. 

   This decision provides military personnel with more opportunities to realize their professional potential.

2. Compensation for Travel Expenses for Treatment Abroad.

Defenders who received treatment abroad will get compensation for their travel expenses to return home. 

 “Funding for this direction is already included in the draft State Budget. Military personnel should feel the state’s support at all stages, including treatment and rehabilitation,” emphasized Yulia Svyrydenko.

3. Weapons Production: Tax Exemptions for Replacement Components. 

The re-importation of components for weapons manufacturers will now be exempt from taxation if the components were destroyed during the execution of state contracts. 

“The Government has decided to exempt manufacturers from paying customs duties and VAT on re-imported components to fulfill state contracts. In such cases, companies can import equivalent components in volumes not exceeding those destroyed, without VAT taxation. These losses must be verified,” explained the Prime Minister.   

Reporting rules for customs in such cases have also been amended. 

“Supplies for defense contracts must be uninterrupted, and the enemy’s actions should not pose risks to the fulfillment of defense procurements,” stressed the Prime Minister.

4. Deployment to NATO-Ukraine JATEC Center in Bydgoszcz, Poland.

The Government has established a procedure for sending Ukrainian military personnel to the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training, and Education Center (JATEC) in Bydgoszcz, Poland. 

“This will enable the development of joint projects with NATO and enhance the interoperability of our Armed Forces. Ukrainian military personnel at the center will work on modern approaches to defense planning and the application of technologies on the battlefield. The combat experience of Ukraine’s Defense Forces is unique, gained in the largest land war since World War II,” said the Prime Minister.

Yulia Svyrydenko also expressed gratitude to Ukraine’s Defenders: 

“The Armed Forces, National Guard, Security Service of Ukraine, Main Intelligence Directorate, Foreign Intelligence Service, State Border Guard Service, and combat units of the National Police – we thank each and every one who has taken on the great responsibility of protecting the State. You are an example of courage and the pride of Ukraine.”