Ukrainian Defense Ministry Clarifies: No Requirement to Repay State Benefits for Soldier Returned from Captivity.

Ukrainian Defense Ministry Confirms Policy

According to Novyny.live: The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has officially stated that the family of soldier Nazar Daletskyi is not required to return state payments they received after he was declared deceased. This clarification is significant, as Daletskyi was officially considered killed in action from September 2022 until his return from Russian captivity on February 5, 2026. This situation highlights the complex legal and financial challenges faced by families of missing or captured soldiers.

Details of the Financial Situation

Following his return, a funeral for Nazar Daletskyi was held in 2023, which only became possible after his identification through DNA analysis. His prolonged absence and presumed death naturally raised questions about the financial support his family had legitimately received during that period.

While the family currently faces a potential obligation to repay 15 million hryvnias to the state, the Ministry of Defense has emphasized this is not mandatory. The payments were made in good faith based on his official status at the time. Consequently, the matter of any repayment remains under review by the relevant authorities, and the soldier's family can continue their lives without immediate financial pressure.

This case underscores the difficult legal status of service members who are captured or go missing in action. It also points to the necessity for clear communication between government agencies and military families. Instances like Nazar Daletskyi's are likely to inform future discussions on refining legislation concerning financial aid for the families of Ukrainian soldiers.