Some Ukrainians have already received sudden news from their close ones, military service members, who had not been in touch for a long time. It could be phone calls, photos, or videos. However, at the same time, these persons were considered missing at the state level. The Charity Fund "Direct Inclusion" explains the issue.

The Coordinating Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War emphasizes that many such calls and materials can be fabricated. However, if relatives possess some of them, it can potentially change the status of an army soldier from "missing" to "probably in captivity" in some cases. Those who cannot recognize a loved one 100% but only make assumptions have little chance. Evidence from brothers-in-arms is also not enough.

However, positive decisions regarding changing the status can be significantly accelerated when the person in a video identifies themselves on camera, and their face is recognized through facial expertise. This method provides a guaranteed answer, offering a reassuring certainty, unlike photos, videos, or voices.

Nevertheless, relatives should still preserve such evidence and submit it to the National Police, the Coordination Headquarters, the Unified Center of the Security Service of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, and other specialized institutions working on military matters.

Relatives can also address this issue with the National Information Bureau at the Ministry of Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine by calling the hotline 16-48 or +38 (044) 287-81-65 from abroad. There are also chatbots on social networks. It is possible to write to the email info@nib.gov.ua or messenger on the Facebook page and fill out the form on the official website.

The Charity Fund "Direct Inclusion" previously informed about where to call if a military serviceman goes missing. The material can be found at the link.