“Ukraine spends $5,000 to train one Ukrainian soldier,” an MP said

Training one mobilized Ukrainian serviceman in a training center costs the state about $5,000. These expenses include basic training and learning the necessary combat skills.

Parliament is also discussing the possibility of developing a contract-based army, but implementing this idea depends on funding.

This was stated in an interview with Telegraf by MP Vadym Ivchenko from the Batkivshchyna party, a member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence.

According to him, training one soldier in a training center costs about $5,000.

“Do you know how much we spend to train one soldier in a training center? About $5,000. If we effectively pay $5,000 for a ready fighter who knows how to handle weapons skillfully, shoot, and understand some tactical things, then we essentially save those $5,000,” Ivchenko explained.

He added that this amount is comparable to what the state already spends today to train one Ukrainian serviceman.

Parliament is also discussing a transition to a contract army. According to the MP, if it is introduced, there could be clear terms of service as well as motivational and social guarantees for servicemen.

“We’re talking about one million people in the Armed Forces. The whole million could sign contracts if they want. And they would have clear terms—one million each year—social benefits, motivation—everything,” Ivchenko said.

At the same time, implementation of the idea is currently complicated by financial issues. According to him, it all depends on incoming funds—specifically, around €90 billion linked to the EU “reparations loan.” If these funds do not arrive by April 1, the initiative may be postponed.

“Everything comes down to money. To build a contract army, you need funds. If there is funding, I think this idea can live and will continue to be promoted,” the MP added.

He noted that Ukraine is still in a full-scale war with Russian invaders, and mobilization continues. But the system for staffing the Defense Forces has changed significantly: alongside classic mobilization—where units are assigned by command—recruiting is now working successfully in Ukraine. This is a transparent mechanism for joining service either on contract or via mobilization, where a candidate’s profession and preferences are prioritized.