Ukraine struggles to identify missing persons as war continues

Ukraine is facing significant challenges regarding the identification and repatriation of its soldiers who are missing in action due to the ongoing conflict with Russia. As of February 2022, more than 7,000 bodies have been returned, but the accuracy of identifications remains a concern. There are two primary options for individuals on the missing list: they may be either in Russian captivity or deceased. However, due to the protracted nature of the war, the Ukrainian government is struggling to locate captured or killed individuals, leading to a growing toll on families searching for their loved ones. Families like Valentyna Ocheretnaya's continue their desperate search for missing sons. Following the loss of her son, a combat medic, Ocheretnaya has pursued leads about his potential capture, receiving information from various sources regarding his status in Russian captivity. Despite providing DNA to aid identification, there has been no match in the records, leaving her uncertain of her son's fate. This situation sheds light on the psychological and emotional toll families endure as they grapple with the uncertainty surrounding their loved ones while also seeking answers. In addition to the individual disappearances, the population of Ukraine has been in drastic decline as a result of the war. With approximately 29 million people remaining in Ukraine, a drop of 45% from pre-war population estimates, the demographic landscape is rapidly changing. Ukraine's Institute of Demography has projected that if current trends continue, there could be around 30 million Ukrainians within the country's internationally recognized borders by 2035. However, this projection rests heavily on the uncertainty of when the war will conclude and what the conditions within the country will be. The ongoing crisis has exacerbated long-standing issues related to fertility rates and emigration trends. A report indicates that the number of deaths in Ukraine has outpaced births, leading to lower population counts and potentially fewer young people capable of sustaining the population's future. Many individuals have left the country under duress or in fear of conscription, with no return planned in the immediate future as growing numbers express a desire to settle in other nations permanently. This demographic exodus raises questions about the future viability of a stable and thriving Ukrainian state post-war.