Defense Ministry Mandates Continued Pay for Missing Soldiers Until Court or Death Confirmation

Financial Support for Service Members Declared Missing

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has ordered all military units to maintain salary payments to soldiers reported missing in action until there is a lawful basis to stop them. Such grounds include a court ruling declaring a soldier officially missing or the issuance of a death certificate. Importantly, payment cessation based solely on body identification documents is prohibited. This directive was formalized in Instruction No. 4264/ud dated September 23, 2026, and communicated to military command bodies.

Payment Procedures and Legal Clarifications

This instruction aligns with the Ukrainian Law on Social and Legal Protection of Servicemen and Their Families. The payment process is regulated by Cabinet Resolution No. 884 from November 30, 2016, as amended by Resolution No. 449 on April 15, 2025. Monthly payments are authorized through orders issued by commanders of military units or related institutions and continue until a court decision recognizing a soldier as missing or the official date on the death certificate. The final payment date corresponds to the day the soldier is officially removed from the personnel roster.

It is crucial to understand that body identification and legal death registration are separate judicial actions. Only a death certificate or a court ruling can justify halting payments. The Ministry of Defense intends to amend Order No. 280 to ensure removal from personnel lists occurs exclusively based on the death certificate.

Additionally, the Ministry has initiated regular meetings with coordinators representing families of the deceased, missing, and prisoners of war. These sessions aim to foster direct communication, identify issues, and develop solutions. As Lyubov Galan emphasized,

"This directive eliminates ambiguity and mandates uniform enforcement of legal standards throughout the armed forces."

This policy is a significant measure for families of missing soldiers, guaranteeing their financial support until official status determination. The establishment of ongoing dialogue forums signals the government’s commitment to stronger community engagement and responsiveness to families’ concerns, which may have positive social implications nationwide.