Over 20 American Volunteer Fighters Missing in Ukraine as Casualties Rise

Efforts to locate and repatriate the remains of missing Americans highlight the challenges of frontline combat and recovery in Ukraine's ongoing war.

More than 20 American volunteers are reported missing in Ukraine, with a growing number of casualties over the past six months.
The bodies of at least five Americans killed in action remain unrecovered, often due to the intensity of fighting and Russian-controlled areas.
Families face legal and emotional challenges, including harassment by online trolls, as they navigate the complexities of declaring their loved ones deceased and repatriating remains.
Surviving fighters describe harrowing missions, inadequate support, and the high risks faced by foreign volunteers filling critical roles in Ukraine’s military efforts.
Organizations and officials work to identify and return remains, but the process is complicated by fragmented remains and the need for DNA testing or court rulings.