How Many Ukrainian Soldiers Are Considered Missing?

Approximately 7,200 Ukrainian soldiers are currently considered missing, according to Oleksandr Kotenko, the Commissioner for Missing Persons in Ukraine, speaking to the Ukrainian publication 'Суспільне.'

The Ukrainian Armed Forces estimate the number of missing personnel at around 2,000. However, Kotenko stated that based on letters, applications, and information received by their office, the number of missing individuals is about 7,200.

He clarified that the military’s estimate pertains only to their ranks, and there are also missing persons from the National Guard, border guard forces, and territorial defense units, which are not included in the military's accounting. For example, the 'Azov' battalion is part of the National Guard and also has missing members; after leaving 'Azovstal,' they have not been in contact with their relatives, he noted.

Kotenko considered it likely that the majority of the missing are in Russian captivity. He emphasized that as long as they have not been in contact or included in prisoner exchange lists, they are regarded as missing.