Ukraine paying big for foreign fighters, longer contracts could help

July 5, 2026 - 20:37

Foreign fighters serving in Ukraine have told Business Insider that while the pay is good, the real problem is retention. New contracts offering longer commitments and higher salaries might help, but only if soldiers actually stay long enough to make a difference.

Currently, international volunteers can earn around $3,000 per month, which is significantly more than what most Ukrainian soldiers make. But the high turnover rate among foreign fighters undermines any tactical advantage. Many leave after just a few months, citing burnout, poor leadership, or the sheer brutality of frontline combat. One fighter described the current system as "paying big for short bursts of effort" rather than building a stable force.

Longer contracts could change that. If foreign fighters sign on for six months or a year instead of the standard three-month rotation, Ukraine would get more experienced soldiers who know the terrain and their units. Higher pay for those extended commitments might also attract more disciplined volunteers, not just adrenaline seekers.

However, money alone won't fix everything. Some fighters pointed out that bureaucratic delays, language barriers, and inconsistent equipment supply still drive people away. A longer contract with better pay is a start, but Ukraine's foreign legion also needs better integration and support systems to keep experienced fighters on the line. Without that, even the best paychecks won't hold the front.