Solutions from Ukraine: mobile operators to reserve phone numbers of dead or missing soldiers for two years

Upon request, Ukrainian mobile operators will be able to reserve the numbers of dead or missing soldiers for two years so that other people do not acquire them.

This was reported by the Deputy Prime Minister for Innovations, Development of Education, Science, and Technologies – Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov.

What is the problem?

Fedorov has reported that phone numbers are generally available for open sale after one year of non-use. Consequently, individuals may receive a "Beloved one has joined Viber" message even if the person has passed away.

What is the solution?

To avoid such situations, Kyivstar and Lifecell launched the function of reserving phone numbers of dead or missing defenders. The number will not go on sale for a total of 2 years.

How does it work?

To start reserving the number of a military man or a military woman, their relatives must contact the mobile operator.

The action algorithm is as follows:

• contact the support service of the operator: Kyivstar – 0800300466, lifecell – 0800205433;
• inform the reserve number;
• indicate from whom the appeal is made;
• wait for the SMS with the decision.

The service is currently provided in test mode.

For reference:

Oleh Kotenko, the Commissioner for Persons Gone Missing under Special Circumstances, indicated that more than seven thousand Ukrainian soldiers are considered missing. He affirmed that the percentage of missing persons who are possibly in captivity is likely between 60–65%, while the rest unfortunately are dead.

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that as of February 24, 2022, Ukraine returned 2,235 people from Russian captivity.