More than 70,000 Ukrainians missing since Russia's full-scale invasion — Ukraine
More than 70,000 Ukrainians missing since Russia's full-scale invasion (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
More than 70,000 Ukrainians are currently considered missing as a result of Russia's war against Ukraine. Determining the circumstances of their disappearance and learning their fate will only be possible after the war ends or active hostilities cease, according to Artur Dobroserdov, the Commissioner for Persons Missing Under Special Circumstances.
Dobroserdov reported that, as of today, there are more than 70,000 people in Ukraine officially listed as missing under special circumstances.
"If the number of missing persons currently exceeds 70,000, then in most cases we will only be able to learn what happened to them after the war ends — or at least after the active phase of hostilities is over," he added.
He also noted that the fate of missing Ukrainians can only be clarified once Ukraine receives information from the aggressor state regarding all individuals who are being held as prisoners or hostages.
"And that will only be possible when search teams are practically able to operate in areas where fighting took place, in so-called grey zones, and of course, in the currently occupied territories," he said.
Prisoner exchange
On June 12, a new group of Ukrainian prisoners of war returned home from Russia. RBC-Ukraine published exclusive footage from the exchange and shared key details.
Notably, among those brought back were severely wounded and seriously ill Ukrainian defenders — some of whom had previously been listed as missing in action.
This exchange began on June 9 and is taking place in several phases. During the first phase, a group of released servicemen under the age of 25 returned to Ukraine.
The total number of returned soldiers has not yet been disclosed. The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War explained that, for operational security reasons, final figures will be announced after the exchange process is complete.
Meanwhile, the second phase of the exchange took place on June 10 and involved the return of more prisoners in the severely wounded and seriously ill category.
