The question of searching for missing and missing persons in the conditions of military aggression in Ukraine

Abstract

The search for missing persons in the context of the war between Russia and Ukraine has become extremely urgent. The war, which began in 2014 and escalated into a full-scale aggression in 2022, has caused massive human losses and numerous cases of disappearances. A particularly tragic chapter of this war was the battle for Mariupol – a city that endured brutal fighting and prolonged shelling. Under these conditions, many Ukrainians went missing, leaving their families in despair and uncertainty. According to official data, as of October 2023, around 28,000 Ukrainians were considered missing under special circumstances – either in Russian-occupied territories or on the front lines. Out of these 28,000 missing persons, 11,000 are civilians, while the rest are servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Every day, the relatives of soldiers receive notifications that their husband, son, or brother is considered missing, which causes tremendous stress and countless questions. They often do not know how to act, whom to turn to for help and support. Military actions and occupation create extremely challenging conditions for the search and identification of missing persons, requiring coordinated efforts from state agencies and international organizations. The war in Ukraine has been ongoing for three years, and with each passing month, the number of missing persons increases. The battles for Mariupol, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, Kherson, Sievierodonetsk, and other cities have become symbols of Ukrainian resistance and profound tragedy. The defenders of these cities demonstrated incredible heroism, but many were captured or killed, significantly complicating the process of identification and return of their bodies. Relatives often remain without comprehensive information about the fate of their loved ones, intensifying the feelings of uncertainty and pain. The lack of information and confirmation about the status of the missing forces people to live in constant tension and hope for the return of their relatives. The situation in temporarily occupied territories also poses numerous challenges for the search for missing persons. Occupation forces often hinder search operations, making it difficult to access information and locations where the missing might be. Relatives of the missing continuously search for the truth, appealing to various state and international authorities. They organize volunteer groups, spread information on social media, and engage the media in an attempt to find any traces of their loved ones. This places a tremendous psychological burden on the families of the missing, but it is also an example of unyielding hope and the fight for justice.