On March 19, 2025, the UBA Committee on Military Law, Military Justice and Veterans' Rights held an important event devoted to the topic: “Protection of the rights of family members of captured and missing military personnel. The rights of servicemen released from captivity”.

The event was an important step in raising awareness of the problems faced by families of captives and missing persons, and created new opportunities for sharing experiences and strengthening legal assistance for servicemen and their families.

The event was moderated by Andriana Fozekosh, a member of the UBA Committee on Military Law, Military Justice and Veterans' Rights, Head of the Military Defense Practice, attorney at AVER LEX. In her opening speech, she emphasized the importance of legal support for families of prisoners and missing persons and noted that this work requires a comprehensive approach.

The participants of the meeting discussed key legal mechanisms for searching for missing servicemen, the role of government agencies, international organizations and volunteer initiatives in this process. Dmytro Bohatyuk, Head of the Department for Persons Missing in Special Circumstances of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, spoke about modern search algorithms, the importance of using databases and DNA examinations to identify individuals, and the need to strengthen interagency cooperation.

The speakers shared their experience of cooperation with the Red Cross, the UN and other organizations that play an essential role in the process of releasing prisoners and monitoring their conditions of detention. They emphasized that diplomatic pressure and legal mechanisms should work together to achieve effective results.

The legal aspects of obtaining the status of missing persons, social benefits and legal protection of families were also in the focus of attention. Kateryna Pugach, attorney at law at AVER LEX, shared her experience of working with the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, emphasizing the importance of providing families with legal support at all stages - from filing an application to judicial confirmation of status. A representative of AVER LEX also took part in the event, sharing valuable experience in providing legal assistance to families of military personnel who were captured or went missing. He spoke about the court practice, highlighting the problems in establishing facts for military personnel and civilians.

The discussion also covered the issues of protecting the rights of servicemen released from captivity, their social adaptation, financial assistance and legal support after their return. Lawyers emphasized that there are currently significant problems with access to the necessary social guarantees, which requires further legislative work.

Another important topic was psychological support for families of captured and missing soldiers. Anna Kotyk, a practicing psychologist, spoke about the psychological consequences of captivity for the military and their families, and provided advice on communicating with soldiers and veterans, emphasizing the need to set boundaries, show respect without pity, and avoid phrases that belittle their experience. She emphasized the importance of understanding the psychological needs of those returning from captivity, focusing on their need for safety.

The participants of the event emphasized the need to introduce specialized psychological rehabilitation programs and noted that support should be comprehensive, ranging from individual counseling to group therapy and social integration.

Particular attention was paid to the rehabilitation of servicemen released from captivity. It was emphasized that it is necessary to create state programs of medical and psychological rehabilitation that take into account the specifics of being in enemy captivity. The participants of the event noted that rehabilitation programs currently need to be improved and expanded.

The event concluded with a discussion of ongoing efforts to find missing persons and exchange prisoners. During the discussion, a new successful exchange was reported, which emphasized the relevance and importance of legal support for such processes. The participants emphasized the need to consolidate the efforts of the state, human rights organizations and civil society to further support the families of servicemen and develop legal mechanisms in this area.