Ukraine is paying big to get foreign fighters to the front. Keeping them there is the hard part.

Ukraine has introduced a financial guarantee system to attract foreign volunteers, requiring a **5 million hryvnia deposit** and offering **300,000 hryvnia per candidate** to secure their participation. Coverage highlights that rejected Ukrainian conscripts—those denied contracts or failing medical exams—are now being redirected into foreign volunteer programs under revised recruitment rules. The Defense Ministry is also overhauling recruitment centers as part of a broader mobilization reform initiative, signaling a shift in strategy amid ongoing manpower shortages.

Reuters, BBC News, and *Kyiv Post* emphasize the **financial burden and logistical hurdles** of the program, noting that while deposits may deter desertion, retention remains a critical issue. Ukrainian outlets like *Українські Національні Новини* and *inkorr.com* focus on the **structural changes**, including centralized recruitment hubs and stricter vetting processes. Business Insider underscores the **disconnect between incentives and battlefield realities**, where high pay does not always translate to sustained commitment.

Watch for updates on **deposit refund policies** and whether the reform improves volunteer retention rates. Coverage may also track how foreign fighters adapt to Ukraine’s military integration challenges, particularly if attrition persists despite financial guarantees. The Defense Ministry’s next steps—such as expanding recruitment centers or adjusting pay structures—will be key indicators of the program’s effectiveness.