Attorney
A practicing attorney in the field of criminal and administrative law. I provide full support to clients at the stage of preliminary investigation and trial in criminal proceedings.
Search for captured / missing soldiers
The full-scale war made adjustments in the lives of thousands of Ukrainian families. This especially applies to the families of Ukrainian military personnel. Very often there are situations when contact with military personnel is lost. That is why the search for captured/missing military personnel is a very relevant service from the specialists of our Prykhodko and Partners law office.
Algorithm for searching for missing soldiers
After the military unit receives information about the disappearance of its serviceman, the official investigation stage begins. After the official investigation comes to an end, the relevant data is received by the command and a decision is made to grant the person the status of “missing person”.
The internal instructions of the Armed Forces prescribe the following statuses for missing soldiers: “captured”, “hostages”, “missing”. A person can be declared dead only through a court. If a soldier has gone missing, his status can be changed to “deceased” only if his remains are found, testimony from his relatives is obtained, or in court.

Relatives of a serviceman receive notification of his disappearance or capture through local bodies of the Central Committee of the TSP. The representatives of the military commissariat must directly provide relevant information to the family members of the military about the change in his status.
In the event that relatives and friends of a serviceman cannot get in touch with him for a long time, they also have the right to contact representatives of the Central Committee of the TSP. If the Military Commissariat does not provide any information, you can contact other state structures. This is also the authority of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the police. In addition, during the search for prisoners and missing persons, our lawyers seek help from representatives of the National Bureau of Investigation. His specialization is the collection of all available information on the search for both military personnel and civilians.
Peculiarities of the legal status of missing persons
The search for missing servicemen is carried out in accordance with the Law of Ukraine “On the Legal Status of Persons Who Have Disappeared Under Special Circumstances”. Certain changes were made to this Law in April 2022. War actions, armed conflicts, occupation, man-made or natural emergencies are indicated as special circumstances.
All information about missing military personnel is entered into the Register of Missing Persons. As for reliable information about the death of a serviceman, it is currently confirmed only by the results of the analysis of his remains. Unfortunately, there is currently no single procedure for identifying remains by DNA. Relatives are far from always oriented as to where DNA should be submitted. There is no single base. This significantly complicates the search. That is why it is very important to enlist the support of a professional lawyer who will help to greatly simplify this unpleasant procedure.
If, during the search, it was established that a serviceman is in captivity, the state makes the necessary efforts for his exchange and return home. This work is done constantly.
Assistance of professional lawyers in the search for prisoners/missing persons
Specialists of our Prykhodko and Partners law firm have extensive practical experience in the search for captured/missing military personnel. We will be able to advise you on any issues and develop an effective military search algorithm in close cooperation with state authorities and in the current legal field.
Do you still have questions? We are waiting for a preliminary consultation! Fill out the form below to calculate the cost of legal services for searching for captured/missing military personnel.
Calculate the cost of services
1 question
Are you in Kyiv or Kyiv region?
2 question
Have other lawyers dealt with your issue?
3 question
Have you already contacted the relevant authorities regarding the search for a serviceman?
Can I receive a consultation online or by phone?
Yes. Consultations are available by phone, online, and at our office. Your location does not prevent you from receiving initial legal assistance.
Which documents should I prepare for the consultation?
Bring or send everything related to the case, including a summons, notice of suspicion, court orders, records, agreements, and correspondence. If you do not have any documents, simply describe the situation. The lawyer will tell you what should be requested.
How much does a lawyer’s assistance cost?
The exact fee depends on the stage, complexity, and scope of work. Current estimates are shown in the price table on this page, and we prepare an individual calculation after the initial conversation.
Does your law firm work only in Kyiv?
No. We provide services throughout Ukraine. Clients looking for a criminal lawyer in Lviv, Odesa, or Dnipro can conveniently begin online. The next steps and format of cooperation can then be arranged to meet the needs of the case.
Should I choose a consultation or full representation?
A consultation may be sufficient when the issue is limited and clear. If proceedings have been opened, a notice of suspicion has been served, or a court hearing is expected, ongoing representation by a criminal lawyer may be required. A lawyer will recommend the appropriate format after the assessment, and it can be changed as the case develops.
Can a relative contact the lawyer?
Yes. Relatives are often the first to call a lawyer, especially after a detention. The lawyer’s authority is agreed with the person concerned by the proceedings and formalised in an agreement. This should be arranged as early as possible.
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