Russian commanders are sending wounded soldiers, some still on crutches, back into combat in Ukraine, according to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). British intelligence reports that entire assault units have been formed from these injured troops, particularly in the 20th Combined Arms Army.
The overburdened Russian military medical system is struggling to cope with high casualty numbers.
British intelligence suggests that by forcing wounded soldiers back to the front, commanders are freeing up hospital beds while still using the injured for military operations. Many of these soldiers might otherwise have been lost in the Russian medical system, leaving them without proper treatment or reassignment.
In January, Ukrainian Telegram channels circulated a video showing two Russian soldiers on crutches moving through an open field near Pokrovsk, Donetsk region. A Ukrainian drone then dropped ammunition on them, likely resulting in their deaths.
The footage sparked intense debate among pro-Russian war bloggers, with Svyatoslav Golikov condemning the practice as "a complete disgrace." This was reported by The Moscow Times.
Golikov noted that, in some cases, severely disabled soldiers are sent on direct assaults, while in others, they are used to hold recently recaptured positions.
Alongside the injured troops, new contract soldiers are also immediately deployed for assaults, according to Verstka sources. Recruiters have acknowledged that most new personnel are assigned to assault units, with only two days to two weeks of preparation before being sent into combat. Despite the high risks, many continue to enlist, drawn by large financial incentives.
Estimates of Russian casualties are staggering.
In autumn 2024, the UK MoD put Russia’s total losses since the start of the full-scale invasion at 610,000, including 200,000 killed and 400,000 wounded—half of whom are permanently disabled. The Pentagon cited similar figures, estimating 615,000 total casualties, with 115,000 dead and 500,000 wounded.
