What should I do if my family member, a foreign volunteer fighter, is reported Missing in Action (MIA) in Ukraine?

Immediately contact the soldier's military unit, the Department for Coordination of Foreigners' Military Service, and your country's embassy in Ukraine. Secure official MIA status through the Unified Register of Persons Missing under Special Circumstances, provide DNA samples for identification, apply for monthly salary payments, and after 6 months consider petitioning a Ukrainian court to change status to Killed in Action (KIA) if circumstances suggest the person likely perished.

Which organizations help families of missing foreign volunteers in Ukraine?

The military unit (patronage service), Department for Coordination of Foreigners' Military Service, your country's embassy in Ukraine, National Police of Ukraine, State Enterprise "Document" (for DNA collection), International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP), and specialized law firms as ExpatPro.

How do I obtain official Missing in Action (MIA) status in Ukraine?

Information about the disappearance must be entered into the Unified Register of Persons Missing under Special Circumstances through departments of the National Police of Ukraine. If abroad, this can be done through the mentioned entities or via a legal representative with power of attorney.

Relative Missing in Action in Ukraine: What to Do

The russian invasion of Ukraine has caused deep pain not only for Ukrainian families but also for many families worldwide, especially when a loved one serving as a Volunteer Fighter is reported Missing in Action (MIA). This article explains the main steps in simple terms for non-Ukrainians whose family member is in this heartbreaking situation.

First, we want to express sincere gratitude to all Foreign Volunteers who chose to stand with Ukraine in our fight for freedom and our deepest solidarity to the families of Missing Defenders. Please know that your loved ones are not forgotten, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to bring every hero home and honor them.

So, after you received a notification that your family member is missing in Ukraine, here are the key actions to consider:

1. Seek information and consultations.

To gather details and navigate the process, you can reach out to the following entities:

The Military Unit: Reach out to the soldier’s unit to clarify the circumstances of the disappearance. Many units now have patronage services specifically designed to support families.
Department for Coordination of Foreigners’ Military Service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine: They provide consultations and help with the documentation required for entitled payments. Email: int_legion_ua@post.mil.gov.ua
Your Country’s Embassy in Ukraine: They can assist in communicating with Ukrainian authorities and provide additional diplomatic support.

2. Secure official Missing in Action (MIA) status.

Under Ukrainian law, a person officially gains Missing in Action status as soon as the information about their disappearance is entered into the Unified Register of Persons Missing under Special Circumstances, which can be done through the departments of the National Police of Ukraine. If you are not in Ukraine, you can refer to the mentioned entities or a legal representative to secure the status. This formal recognition is important as it opens access to rights and support from the Ukrainian government.

3. Provide DNA samples.

Submitting DNA is a critical step for identification and future repatriation. You can submit DNA samples at official identification centers in Ukraine, or if you are abroad, at any branch of State Enterprise “Document” — pasport.org.ua/centers, or directly through the International Commission on Missing Persons after reporting the missing person through ICMP’s Online Inquiry Center — oic.icmp.int. ICPM accepts samples in person at ICMP offices in Kyiv, the Hague, Sarajevo, or Tuzla; during its publicly announced collection campaigns held throughout the year in various countries (mostly in Europe); or — if all other options have been exhausted — via a remote DNA collection kit.

4. Request monthly payments.

Under Ukrainian law, close relatives can apply to the military unit for the soldier’s monthly salary while the service member holds MIA status. However, this procedure can be complicated for foreigners as it requires obtaining a Ukrainian tax identification number and a Ukrainian bank account. Also, foreign documents (passports, marriage and birth certificates, family composition certificates) must be apostilled and officially translated into Ukrainian.

5. Consider applying to change status to Killed in Action (KIA) after 6 months.

Under Ukrainian law, after at least 6 months in MIA status — and if circumstances suggest the person likely perished — relatives can petition a Ukrainian court to declare them deceased. This court decision enables access to one-time monetary assistance of 15 million UAH (around $345,000 USD or €290,000 EUR as of March 2026, depending on exchange rates) for families of fallen defenders. This payment is divided among eligible relatives. But again, for this, you will need to obtain a Ukrainian bank account and tax ID.

These processes can feel overwhelming, especially from abroad and in a foreign legal system. Expatpro law firm is available to support families in these situations. We provide legal support to gather information from Ukrainian institutions, assist with obtaining MIA or KIA status, handle paperwork for monthly payments, and guide you through securing the full compensation your family deserves.

Please feel free to reach out if professional guidance would make this process clearer or more manageable for you. Our thoughts remain with you and your family during this difficult time.