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Ukraine’s military intelligence reported that in late 2024, Russia created special units of hepatitis B and C patients and deployed them directly to the battlefield
Over the last three years, Russia recruited about 250,000 prisoners, with approximately 40% suffering from serious diseases like HIV, TB, and hepatitis. (Representative/AP)
Three and a half years into the Russia-Ukraine war, a concerning development has emerged. Reports indicate a rapid increase in HIV and hepatitis cases within the Russian army. The Kiev Independent cites a report by the independent research institute Carnegie Politica, which reveals that by the end of 2022, HIV cases in the Russian military had increased 13-fold, with further rises reported in 2023.
Factors contributing to this surge include poor safety standards during battlefield blood transfusions, reuse of injections in field hospitals, drug habits, and unsafe sexual relations.
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Despite Russian laws exempting individuals with HIV, TB, or hepatitis from military service, independent media reports suggest these individuals are being forcibly recruited since the Ukraine war’s onset. Additionally, prisoners and residents of occupied areas are being recruited with promises of 200,000 rubles (approximately ₹2 lakh) per month, though they are denied medication and treatment facilities.
Russia Forcing Injured And Sick Into The Battlefield
Olga Romanova, an exiled journalist and founder of the NGO Russia Behind Bars, said, “Recruitment has become so lax that nearly anyone is taken. Instead of treatment, patients are simply being sent to war.”
The Ukrainian military intelligence agency reports that in late 2024, Russia formed special units consisting of hepatitis B and C patients, who were directly deployed to war. Zarvet estimates that over the last three years, Russia recruited about 250,000 prisoners, with approximately 40% suffering from serious diseases like HIV, TB, and hepatitis.
US Commits To Helping Enforce Peace Deal
Meanwhile, according to a report by the Financial Times, the US may provide intelligence resources, air defense support, and battlefield oversight to help implement a Europe-led peace agreement. Citing four officials, the report said senior US representatives, in talks with their European counterparts, signaled Washington’s readiness to offer “strategic enablers” including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), command and control, and air defense capabilities. This cooperation would come into effect after a peace deal is reached, aimed at safeguarding Ukraine from any future Russian aggression.
Russia Claims Control Over Two Villages In Dnipropetrovsk
In another development, Russia has increased its influence in the southeastern Dnipropetrovsk region. Open-source research group DeepState confirmed that Russian forces have captured the villages of Zaporizke and Novohirohivka. Although Moscow’s Defence Ministry had already claimed control over these villages, the Ukrainian army disputes these reports, stating that Russian forces have merely infiltrated the villages and are trying to establish their base. Ukrainian soldiers are still fighting to retain their positions, according to army spokesman Viktor Trehubov.
Trump’s Envoy Optimistic As He Engages Both Ukraine And Russia
In Washington, US special envoy Steve Witkoff announced a meeting with Ukrainian representatives in New York this week and ongoing discussions with Russia. Speaking to Fox News, Witkoff expressed optimism, stating, “I am meeting Ukrainians this week, and this is a big sign. We are also talking to Russians every day.” Witkoff said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is seeking to end the war.
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