Kathrine Frich
Former prisoners say their health conditions were ignored, as they were sent straight into assault units.
Former prisoners say their health conditions were ignored, as they were sent straight into assault units.
Russia Recruits HIV-Positive Soldiers
Despite laws that ban conscripting people with serious illnesses, Russia continues to draft HIV- and hepatitis-positive individuals.
Reports show cases in the army have risen sharply since the start of the war in Ukraine.
Soldiers with these conditions are sent to the front without proper treatment or care.
Surge in HIV Cases in Russian Army
Carnegie Politika reported that by the end of 2022, HIV cases in Russia’s army had increased 13 times compared to pre-war numbers.
By 2023, infections rose even higher, with hepatitis and tuberculosis also spreading.
Poor hygiene in field hospitals and lack of medical oversight fuel the crisis.
Prisoners With HIV and Hepatitis Sent to War
Recruitment from prisons continues, with inmates offered up to 200,000 rubles a month.
Many prisoners are HIV-positive or suffer from hepatitis.
They are promised freedom if they survive, but are denied medical care and often treated as disposable.
Marked by Bracelets, Sent Into Battle
Prisoners with infectious diseases were once marked with colored bracelets: red for HIV, white for hepatitis.
Many of these men were later captured by Ukrainian forces.
Former prisoners say their health conditions were ignored, as they were sent straight into assault units.
Propaganda Push on Social Media
Recruitment ads on VKontakte openly target people with HIV, hepatitis, or criminal records.
Posts promise bonuses up to 3 million rubles, debt relief, or even fast-track citizenship.
Some ads use the code word “Umbrella” to refer to recruits with life-threatening illnesses.
Occupied Territories Face Forced Recruitment
In Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine, people with HIV and hepatitis are also recruited.
Residents must often accept service to access basic medicine.
Human rights groups warn of rising infection rates and describe the practice as “disposal of excess people.”
Stigma and Lack of Care in Occupied Areas
Treatment in occupied territories is scarce and tied to Russian passports. Many HIV-positive people hide their status out of fear and stigma.
Some turn to private chat groups for help, while others flee to government-controlled Ukraine or abroad for treatment.
Ukraine Handles HIV Soldiers Differently
Unlike Russia, Ukraine assigns HIV-positive soldiers to non-combat or support roles.
They are allowed to continue antiretroviral treatment where possible.
But wartime supply issues sometimes disrupt access to medication, putting both soldiers and their units at risk.
