Defense Ministry Clarifies Reports on Withdrawal of Daily Meals for Contract Soldiers

In response to media reports suggesting that the 'General Staff of the Armed Forces has decided to deprive contract soldiers of their daily meals', the Ministry of Defense finds it necessary to clarify that the list and number of soldiers receiving free meals funded by the state budget are determined by a government decision and an order from the Minister of Defense.

It is noted that during the war and in the post-war period, given the special circumstances, the range of those receiving free meals was expanded as necessary. The process is now being regulated again, and individuals with the following statuses can benefit from free meals (according to the government decision and the minister's order):

1. Conscripts undergoing mandatory military service,
2. Personnel involved in combat duty (also during the preparatory training period before combat duty),
3. Contract soldiers and worker servicemen participating in field training exercises and assembly gatherings, provided no additional remuneration is calculated during these events,
4. Personnel serving in units operating under special conditions (the list is confirmed by the Minister of Defense) – in full.