Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed plans to hike military wages in a bid to counter a growing manpower shortage in the country's army. The move comes as Ukraine faces increased drone strikes from Russia and as the country seeks to boost its military personnel numbers.
Under the new plans, frontline soldiers will receive an average monthly salary of 300,000 hryvnias (£7,000), up from around 100,000 to 150,000 hryvnias at present. The basic military wage will also be raised by one-third to 30,000 hryvnias (£700).
The Ukrainian government has secured a €90bn (£77bn) loan from the EU, which will allow it to increase defence spending to a record 4.4tn hryvnias (£97bn) this year. The funds are due to start flowing this month.
Ukraine is also seeking to recruit more foreign fighters, with estimates suggesting that around 10,000 foreign volunteers have joined the Ukrainian army from more than 70 countries since the war began.
The move to boost military wages and recruit more foreign fighters comes as Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeks to strengthen the country's military in the face of increased aggression from Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has responded to the increased drone strikes by saying that Ukraine's goal is to 'sow confusion' and inflict economic damage on Russia.