Search for Missing Soldiers: Legal Assistance

analysis of the client's situation (determining the circumstances of disappearance: date of last contact, place of service, possible testimonies according to the Law of Ukraine "On the Legal Status of Persons Missing under Special Circumstances");
checking current legislative changes for 2025 (including new AI tools for semantic search in registries, clarification of procedures through the znykli-bezvisti.mvs.gov.ua platform and control through the Unified Register of Missing Persons);
preparation of a legal opinion on possible risks (for example, delays due to lack of official status from TCC or changes in legislation) and recommendations for further actions (contacting the Coordination Headquarters or National Police).

drafting the application for the search of a person missing under special circumstances (in the form defined by Article 18 of the Law, taking into account 2025 changes, such as electronic submission through "Diia" or email pg.npu@police.gov.ua for certain categories);
inclusion of all necessary data (identification of the missing person, circumstances of disappearance, reference to the register of missing military personnel);
verification of proper formatting (signature, consent to data processing, addition of document copies) to avoid rejections, with recommendations for submission to TCC, police or Coordination Headquarters.

assistance in collecting supporting materials depending on the circumstances (for example, notification from the military unit, testimonies from fellow servicemen, photos/videos of the last location, genetic material for DNA examination);
verification of authenticity and compliance with 2025 requirements (clarified lists in the CMU resolution, certification of copies if necessary, integration with ERDR and the Unified Register of Missing Persons);
support in case of need to obtain additional certificates (for example, extract from the register, status confirmation from ICRC or submission of DNA samples to the police).

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Where to Search for Missing Military Personnel

The search for missing military personnel begins with contacting authorities that have access to information about servicemen. Key sources of information include:

Military unit where the serviceman was stationed. The command can provide details about the last known location or circumstances of the disappearance.
National Police of Ukraine, which accepts missing persons reports and enters data into the Unified Register of Pre-Trial Investigations (URPTI).
Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center (TRSSC), if the serviceman was mobilized or served through the TRSSC.
Hotlines of government and non-governmental organizations specializing in the search for missing or captured individuals, such as the hotline of the Commissioner for Persons Missing Under Special Circumstances.

Information can also be obtained through specialized registries, such as the registry of missing military personnel, maintained by authorized bodies. These databases contain details about individuals whose status is unknown and can assist in finding a serviceman by name.

Where to Turn If a Serviceman Is Out of Contact

If your loved one — a member of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), territorial defense fighter, or mobilized individual — is out of contact, it’s crucial to know where to turn if a serviceman is out of contact. Here are the main institutions and contacts that can assist in the search:

National Police of Ukraine. File a missing persons report at the nearest police station. The report is registered in the URPTI, and an investigation begins. Contact telephone line: 102.
Military unit. Contact the commander or responsible officer at the military unit where the serviceman served. Prepare contact details and information about the individual.
Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center. The TRSSC can provide information about mobilized individuals or forward requests to other entities.
Hotlines. For example, the hotline of the Commissioner for Persons Missing Under Special Circumstances. An email address is also available for submitting requests.
International Committee of the Red Cross. If there is suspicion that the serviceman is in captivity, contact the Red Cross representation in Ukraine.

For an effective search, we recommend contacting multiple institutions simultaneously to expedite the process. It’s important to retain the registration number of the report issued by the police for tracking the case.

What Information About the Missing Serviceman Needs to Be Prepared

To find a serviceman by name or determine their status, it’s necessary to provide as much information as possible.

Personal details: full name, date of birth, passport details, or tax identification number.
Military details: military unit number, rank, position, date and place of last contact, and information about mobilization if applicable.
Circumstances of disappearance: when and where the serviceman was last seen, whether they participated in combat operations, and any reports of captivity.
Contact details of relatives: phone numbers, addresses, and email for communication with search authorities.
Genetic material: if needed for DNA analysis, relatives can provide biological samples for identification.

This information will help authorities process the request faster and enter the data into the registry of missing military personnel. If documents such as an extract from the URPTI are required, an attorney can assist in obtaining them.

Lists of Missing Persons

Missing military personnel are included in special registries maintained by government agencies. The primary one is the registry of missing military personnel, designed to systematize data about individuals whose status is unknown. This registry includes information about:

Personal details of the serviceman (full name, date of birth).
Circumstances of disappearance (date, place, unit).
Investigation status (e.g., whether a case has been opened in the URPTI).

Access to the registry is restricted, but relatives can submit requests through the National Police, TRSSC, or hotlines. Lists of missing persons may also be published by non-governmental organizations, but their reliability requires verification. To find a serviceman by name, contact official institutions with prepared data.

Attorney Assistance in Searching for Missing Persons

Professional legal support significantly increases the chances of success in the search for missing military personnel. An attorney can:

Assist in drafting and submitting a report to the police or other authorities to have the case entered into the URPTI.
Obtain an extract from the URPTI to track the investigation’s status.
Contact the military unit or TRSSC on behalf of relatives to obtain official information.
Organize the submission of genetic material for DNA analysis if there is suspicion of death.
Monitor the investigation’s progress and coordinate actions between different institutions.

An attorney can also assist in cases where there is suspicion that the serviceman is in captivity. They can contact international organizations, such as the Red Cross, and submit a request for verification. Legal support is particularly important if authorities delay case processing or provide incomplete information.

Why You Shouldn’t Delay

Time is a critical factor in the search for missing military personnel. The sooner relatives contact the relevant authorities, the greater the chances of finding the person or determining their status. Here’s why you shouldn’t delay:

Investigation promptness. A police report initiates an investigation that may uncover new information about the missing person.
Preservation of evidence. Over time, information about the circumstances of the disappearance may be lost, complicating the search.
Captivity. If the serviceman is in captivity, a swift response can facilitate their release or provide information about their condition.
Psychological support. Prompt actions can help relatives cope better during this challenging period.

Conclusion

The search for a missing serviceman is a complex but essential process that requires knowledge, speed, and professional assistance. By contacting the appropriate authorities, preparing the necessary information, and, if needed, engaging an attorney, you can maximize the chances of success. Remember that every minute counts, so don’t delay. If you need assistance in this process, our legal firm is ready to provide the necessary support to find a missing serviceman.