Missing military documents for Ukraine compensation claim: what to do

Missing military documentation is one of the most common situations families face. Not having the service contract, military ID or service record does not prevent opening the file — but it does require specific steps.

Why military documents are often missing

• The deceased did not share copies of military documents with family
• Documents were lost in combat or with the soldier's belongings
• Family lives abroad without access to Ukrainian archives
• The soldier was in the International Legion or other formations with less accessible documentation
• Death occurred in circumstances where documents could not be recovered

Can the file be opened without military documents?

Yes. The file can be opened with known data: full name, unit (even approximate), service dates, and death circumstances. From that information, the assigned lawyer can begin formal procedures to obtain official documents.

How to obtain military documents in Ukraine

• Request to the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine — via a representative with notarized power of attorney. The MoD can issue service records and unit assignment confirmations.
• Request to the military unit — if the unit is known, service certificates and death circumstances can be requested directly.
• State registry of combat deaths — Ukraine maintains official registries of soldiers fallen in the conflict, accessible through a lawyer.

Alternative documents that may substitute military records

Special case: International Legion of Territorial Defense

Foreign volunteers who served in the International Legion may have more dispersed documentation. Obtaining documents may require coordination with Legion command and can take longer than for regular units.

Legado de Valor has experience handling files for foreign volunteers in the International Legion. If this is your case, please indicate it in the initial form.