KYIV, Ukraine - As the conflict in Ukraine persists, families remain in anguish over the whereabouts of their missing loved ones, a staggering number reaching more than 30,000 reported cases in the last two years, according to Ukraine's National Police.

Among those desperately seeking answers is Iryna Reva, who clings to hope for her son Vladyslav, a volunteer soldier who disappeared during a battle with Russian forces in Donetsk 19 months ago. Despite the passage of time, Reva refuses to accept that her son is gone, holding onto his last words and memories.

Similarly, Inna Usenko's brother, Herman Sikorskyi, vanished amid the chaos of Russia's siege on Mariupol. Despite relentless efforts, including filing reports with various authorities and providing DNA samples, Usenko remains trapped in uncertainty, haunted by guilt and the lack of closure.

The International Committee of the Red Cross highlights the immense suffering experienced by families on both sides of the conflict, with over 100,000 inquiries made since February 2022, underscoring the widespread impact of the crisis.

For many families, the official search begins with submitting DNA samples, a crucial step in determining the status of the missing. Yet, even with testimonies and accounts from witnesses, confirming the fate of individuals remains challenging without concrete evidence.

Volunteer initiatives have emerged as a lifeline for families, offering support and assistance in the search for missing relatives. Mariia Reshetova's Search for the Missing project, under the Kateryna Osadcha Foundation, continues to provide hope to families, despite a decline in new cases compared to the initial months of the conflict.

Tetiana Khvostenko's husband, Oleh, vanished after being detained by Russian military forces in Dniprorudne. Despite exhaustive efforts to trace his whereabouts, Tetiana and her son Klim remain in limbo, grappling with the emotional toll of uncertainty.

Their story echoes that of countless families across Ukraine, navigating the harrowing journey of searching for loved ones amidst the ongoing conflict and geopolitical tensions. As the war rages on, these families cling to hope, determined to uncover the truth and find closure amidst the chaos and devastation.