Help for RelativesMinimal risk 7 min
Searching for a Missing Person: Step-by-Step Algorithm for Families (AWOL, Captivity, DNA)
Please noteUnit commanders often delay official recognition of a soldier as captured or deceased.
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Algorithm for initial inquiries when contact is lost (more than 14 days):
1. Request to the unit commander [Number] for official status of the soldier.
2. Submission of DNA material by close relatives (parents, children) to the forensic medical examination bureau.
3. Appeal to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Sequence of actions4 steps in sequence
1
Inquiry to the Military Unit and Military Commissariat
Submit a written request to the military commissar at the place of conscription and to the commander of the military unit, demanding clarification of the serviceman's status (on a combat mission, hospital, captivity, AWOL, missing in action).
Important: Demand an extract from the order on exclusion from the unit's rosters or recognition as missing in action.
2
DNA Sample Submission by Relatives
Parents or children of the serviceman must contact the Investigative Department of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation at their place of residence to obtain a referral for free DNA profile submission.
Important: The DNA profile is entered into a unified database for cross-referencing with unidentified fellow servicemen.
3
Search Open Registries and Prisoner Lists
Check the cards of the International Committee of the Red Cross and other official lists of prisoners.
Important: If you find a photo or video with a prisoner, immediately send the link to the ombudsman.
4
Check Military Hospitals and Branches of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
Send inquiries to central military hospitals (named after Burdenko, Vishnevsky, Kirov) to rule out the serviceman being in intensive care unconscious.
Important: Many wounded arrive without documents under technical numbers.