President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Kyiv is considering the possibility of transitioning from a mobilization model to a contract army, but additional financial resources are needed for this. According to him, it is the European partners who could play a key role in financing such a program.
The statement was made in an interview on February 23, 2026, with the BBC and touched on several areas — from air defense to the long-term strategy of army staffing.
Contract army instead of mobilization: where European resources are needed
“Putin pays for the contract — we want it too”
Zelensky noted that Russia actively uses the contract model, paying remuneration to each serviceman. Ukraine would also like to expand the contract principle of staffing.
“When we talk about people, Europeans can help if we switch the army from mobilization to contracts. Putin pays each person for a contract. We want it too, but we don’t have enough funds,” the president emphasized.
According to him, European states do not yet finance such a program directly. Meanwhile, the transition to a contract model would reduce social tension, stabilize the personnel system, and ensure more predictable planning.
Air defense as a priority
The president specifically called air defense “the most difficult issue.” Ukraine has not yet received licenses for the independent production of systems like “Patriot” or even missiles for the existing complexes.
“If civilians are protected, the economy works, children study, there are taxes — it means the army is strengthened,” he noted.
According to Zelensky, licenses for missile production remain one of the key tasks in negotiations with partners.
Europe, financing, and varying levels of support
PURL and air defense procurement
Zelensky thanked Europe for financial assistance, including participation in the PURL program, under which Ukraine purchases American air defense systems. These purchases are financed by European countries.
However, the president acknowledged that the level of support is uneven: some states allocate significant funds, others — minimal amounts, and some, according to him, block decisions.
In analytical materials NANews — Israel News | Nikk.Agency, such statements are considered part of diplomatic pressure on European capitals to expand financial participation.
Is the help sufficient
Zelensky emphasized that overall funding is insufficient, considering the difference in the volume of armaments between Ukraine and Russia.
“We need more. We do not have the same amount of weapons as the Russian Federation,” he noted.
The issue of a contract army is directly related to resources. Without stable funding, the voluntary recruitment model will be limited.
Geopolitical context
“We are stopping a wider war”
The president also spoke about global risks. In his opinion, Russia has already launched a process of more large-scale confrontation, and Ukraine acts as a stronghold, restraining further escalation.
The interview included an assessment that it is not only about a territorial conflict but also an attempt to change the political model of life in the region.
For Europe, Ukraine’s transition to a contract army model could mean a long-term investment in the stability of the eastern flank.
The decision to finance such a transition has not yet been made. However, the very fact of discussion demonstrates that Kyiv considers the structural transformation of the army as a strategic step — provided there is external financial support.