Zelensky calls on Europe to fund Ukraine’s contract army

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged European countries to finance Ukraine’s contract-based military, he told the BBC.

Zelensky explained that European nations could support Ukraine’s transition from a conscription-based system to a professional contract army. He noted that in Russia, soldiers are paid after signing a service contract and said Ukraine would like to follow a similar model but lacks the necessary resources.

“This is where Europeans can help. Currently, European countries are not funding this program,” the Ukrainian president said.