Aleksandr, a 38-year-old Russian soldier, received only two weeks of training before being deployed to the front lines in Ukraine during the summer of 2023. Shortly thereafter, he suffered an injury that resulted in the amputation of his right leg.
In an interview at a sanitarium in the Moscow suburbs, Aleksandr described the initial pain he experienced but noted that over time, he adapted to his new reality. He is among the hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers returning from ongoing conflict, facing both physical and psychological challenges as they reintegrate into society amid the effects of sanctions.
According to independent media estimates, there are at least 300,000 severely injured veterans from the conflict. The Russian government has increasingly classified statistics related to military casualties, complicating efforts to assess the war's toll.
Aleksandr recounted his deployment to the outskirts of Kupiansk, where he was injured while digging trenches in a mined area. Following his injury, he spent six months in various hospitals before receiving a prosthetic leg. Now back at work as a welder, he faces the physical demands of long shifts despite medical advice against prolonged use of his prosthesis.
At the Rus Sanitarium, where Aleksandr is receiving treatment, a prosthetist reported that around 100 prosthetic limbs were made in the past year, with only a few designated for Ukraine war veterans. The sanitarium provides a range of therapies for demobilized veterans, with approximately 10 percent of its patrons being from the current conflict.
Moscow projected a need for 70,000 prosthetic limbs annually, a significant increase compared to previous years, with more than half anticipated for injured veterans. While Aleksandr expressed gratitude for the medical care he has received, he noted that he has maintained his mental health despite the trauma of war.
Psychologists and experts indicate that many veterans return with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A former brigade commander highlighted the lack of an organized psychological support system for veterans, while others emphasized the need for ongoing mental health care.
At the sanitarium, psychological screenings are conducted for soldiers, and they participate in counseling sessions. However, the continuity of care is hindered by restrictions on returning to the facility for further treatment.
Some veterans, like a gunner known as Tuba, expressed reluctance to seek therapy due to negative past experiences. Tuba, who sustained an arm injury, voiced frustration with the contrast between his military life and the perceived normalcy of urban life in Russia.
Public perceptions of veterans vary, with some civilians expressing discomfort due to reports of veterans engaging in criminal behavior. However, many veterans feel that societal attitudes have improved compared to previous conflicts, such as the Soviet-Afghan War.
President Vladimir Putin has taken steps to support injured servicemen, contrasting the treatment of veterans from earlier conflicts. Some veterans, like Aleksandr and his father, who served in Afghanistan, expressed gratitude for Putin's leadership despite the challenges they face.