In brief
Many Russian veterans return from the ongoing war with life-altering injuries and psychological scars. With limited resources and societal stigma complicating their rehabilitation, these soldiers confront a harsh reality as they reintegrate into civilian life.
Aleksandr, a 38-year-old Russian veteran, faced the daunting journey of recovery after losing his left leg to a mine in Ukraine. He received only two weeks of training before being deployed, and as a result, he struggles to adjust to life without his limb. At Rus Sanitarium on the outskirts of Moscow, he shared his experience, highlighting the significant pain and psychological adjustments involved in losing a limb. “Eventually, your brain just rewires itself and you get used to it,” he remarked while undergoing adjustments to his prosthetic leg.Aleksandr represents a growing number of soldiers returning from a prolonged conflict that has lasted over three years, bringing home both visible and hidden wounds. With an estimated 300,000 severely injured veterans, as calculated by independent media outlets, the demand on Russian society to support these individuals intensifies. However, sanctions imposed on Russia complicate these rehabilitation efforts, making resources scarce, and further highlighting the divide between the realities faced by veterans and the unaffected routine of life in major cities.In addition to physical injuries, many veterans are grappling with mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The emotional toll not only affects the soldiers but also their families, who struggle to provide care and support, often burdened by the anxiety and trauma of waiting for their loved ones to return alive.Dima, another soldier now paralyzed due to shrapnel injuries, epitomizes the plight of many returning veterans reliant on rehabilitative services that may not be readily available. The harsh realities of rehabilitation, stigma, and the struggle for recognition in a society grappling with the long-term effects of war paint a sobering picture of life for these injured warriors as they attempt to reintegrate into civilian life.
