Ukraine Implements Automated DNA Database for Soldiers

The Ministry of Defense and the Logistics Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have automated the process of recording and storing DNA samples of Ukrainian service members.

The Ministry of Defense announced this.

The samples refer to biological material collected from the mucous membrane of the mouth, which will be stored at the Genomic Information Registry Center.

The system started operating in April 2025 and, according to the plan, the database will contain 225,000 DNA samples by the end of the year.

The biomaterial will enable the identification of the deceased and the search for missing persons.

The system automates two key processes: the tracking of test kits used for collecting biomaterial and the samples themselves.

The Ministry of Defense explained that the biological material (buccal epithelium from the mucous membrane of the mouth) of service members will be collected at their military unit and then transferred for storage to the Genomic Information Registry Center.

There, an SAP system has been deployed to automate the processes of record-keeping and storage period monitoring.

In cases where members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine go missing or identification of the deceased is required, authorized personnel can request access to the collected biological material from the Genomic Information Registry Center.

The Ministry of Defense emphasizes that these changes are expected to significantly facilitate and speed up investigations concerning fallen or missing Ukrainian soldiers.

It is noted that the collection of DNA samples from service members is performed following Clause 2, Article 8 of the Law of Ukraine “On State Registration of Human Genomic Information.”

This March, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine announced the creation of four interregional rehabilitation centers for service members. The rehabilitation program will include medical treatment, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, support for military families, and social reintegration.