Fact Check: Over 70,000 people are officially missing in Ukraine.

Fact Check: "Over 70,000 people are officially missing in Ukraine."

What We Know

The claim that over 70,000 people are officially missing in Ukraine is supported by statements from Ukrainian officials. According to Artur Dobroserdov, Ukraine’s Commissioner for Persons Missing under Special Circumstances, more than 70,000 individuals, including civilians, military personnel, and foreigners lawfully present in Ukraine, are listed in the Unified Register of Persons Missing under Special Circumstances. This figure includes approximately 2,470 children whose whereabouts are currently unknown. The register is compiled based on reports filed with the National Police, and the numbers are subject to change as individuals are found or identified.

As of early February 2025, the number of missing persons was reported to be nearly 63,000, with almost 30,000 Ukrainians added to the list since the beginning of 2024, indicating a growing crisis due to ongoing conflict (source-3).

Analysis

The sources supporting this claim are credible and come from official statements made by Ukrainian authorities. The information provided by Dobroserdov is consistent with the ongoing situation in Ukraine, where the conflict has led to significant casualties and missing persons. The Unified Register is a formal mechanism for tracking missing individuals, which adds to the reliability of the reported figures.

However, it is essential to consider the context and the nature of the data. The register includes individuals who are officially declared missing, meaning that the figures are based on reports filed with the police. This could lead to discrepancies, as not all missing persons may be reported, and the status of individuals can change over time as new information becomes available (source-3).

The mention of over 12,000 individuals being removed from the register after being found or identified indicates a dynamic situation, where the numbers can fluctuate significantly. This variability is common in conflict zones, where the status of individuals can change rapidly due to ongoing military operations and humanitarian efforts (source-3).

Conclusion

The claim that "over 70,000 people are officially missing in Ukraine" is True. The evidence provided by Ukrainian officials and the context of the ongoing conflict support this assertion. The figure reflects the serious humanitarian crisis resulting from the war, and the official register serves as a critical tool for tracking missing persons.