Wounded Russians being returned to battle with amputated limbs, MOD believes
Russian soldiers, mercenaries and militia fighters are being returning to the battlefield in Ukraine with untreated wounds and even after limb amputations, the Ministry of Defence has warned.
In its latest intelligence update on X, the MOD said it was highly likely that members of the Russian armed forces were returning to active duty despite not receiving any medical treatment.
"This follows credible reports that members of Shtorm-Z, Donetsk militias and Wagner Group have frequently received minimal or no treatment," wrote the MOD.
Shtorm-Z refers to Russia's punishment units that are often used as assault troops during the war in Ukraine.
"Members of Russian Shtorm-Z units are highly likely being returned to combat duties with unhealed wounds, and even after limb amputations," the MOD added.
"It is likely that convict recruits - who make up a large proportion of Shtorm-Z units - are especially liable to receive poor treatment. One reason is that prisoners often lack the paperwork required to access military hospitals.
"Whilst reducing pressure on an overburdened military medical system, the lack of proper in-theatre medical attention will transfer the administrative and medical burden back to troops' home units."
Russia is believed to be suffering very heavy casualties in Ukraine, having lost approximately 350,000 troops since the invasion began.
According to Ukraine, November 2023 saw Russia lose an average of 931 personnel per day.
The mercenary Wagner Group has also been accused of using troops in suicide wave attacks against Ukrainian lines.
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