Is the security kept in captivity and unaccounted for?
Legal status of captured servicemen: payments, leave, return. Updated: October 2026.
Yes. A captured or missing serviceman retains his military status, financial support and all rights. Return from captivity - mandatory leave of at least 90 days, treatment for Military Medical Commission (MMC) and social rehabilitation. Details below.
The status of a captured serviceman
- Capture ≠ dismissal from service. A captured military member remains a member of AFU with full rights.
- Military ID and AWOL — the prisoner cannot be declared wanted, he is in the staff of the unit until his official release.
- Missing person — the status of "disappeared" also preserves all the rights of a serviceman.
Payments during captivity
According to CMU No. 168 of February 28, 2022, captured and missing servicemen receive:
- The main financial support (GZ) is kept.
- Supplement for participation in hostilities — 100,000 hryvnias/month (on the LBZ).
- Family payments — for the maintenance of the prisoner's family.
After returning from captivity
- Mandatory vacation — from 90 days (ZU 2232-XII, item 23, article 10-1).
- Treatment — leave for treatment for Military Medical Commission (MMC) up to 30 days (up to 45-60 for severe cases).
- Social rehabilitation — psychological assistance, adaptation, recovery.
- Payment of OGD — taking into account the status of a prisoner.
Frequently Asked Questions
If a soldier is in captivity, do his days in captivity count as service?
Yes. The period of being in captivity or missing is completely counted in the length of military service.
Where to start the process of return from captivity?
Ministry of Defense, line 1512; The coordination headquarters works on the line of exchange. Relatives can contact the military unit or TRC.
Still Have Questions?
A recruiter from the 3rd Mechanized Battalion 160th Mechanized Brigade will answer all your questions personally — free and with no obligation.
Talk to a Recruiter About AFU Recruitment →