More than 30 percent of Armed Forces of Ukraine service members have already had biological samples collected

The Ministry of Defence has established a complete and uninterrupted cycle for the collection, record-keeping, and storage of biological material within the Armed Forces of Ukraine. To date, more than 30 percent of Armed Forces of Ukraine service members have already had biological samples collected, with 95 percent of the collected samples delivered to the Genomic Data Registry Center (GDRC).

This is critically important to ensure a timely response in emergencies and the prompt identification of service members in cases of missing-in-action.

During the period of martial law, the collection of biological material is mandatory. It is conducted in accordance with the Law of Ukraine ‘On State Registration of Human Genomic Information’ and the Procedure approved by Order No. 438 of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine dated 28 July 2023.

For the sample collection process, modern, safe, and non-invasive methods are used, including buccal epithelial collection with applicators. The sample collection process is painless, straightforward, and compliant with all national and international standards.

The Ministry of Defence has ensured the effective organization of all stages of the Law’s implementation, including:

• a systematic and large-scale sample collection process has been established;
• mechanisms for the transfer and transportation of materials to the authorized unit have been standardized;
• cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs has been ensured within criminal proceedings related to missing persons.

The Ministry of Defence has also ensured that priority sample collection is conducted at Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centers (TRSSC), training centers, and frontline units engaged in combat missions. In parallel, efforts are underway to procure and obtain additional sample collection sets from international partners to expand the scope of the program.