Military Medical Evaluations in Russia: A Concerning Situation

The Russian military has come under scrutiny for its treatment of injured soldiers, particularly regarding the necessary medical evaluations. This article explores the troubling cases of soldiers sent back to combat without adequate assessments and the broader implications of current military practices.

The Case of Oleg Shikin

Oleg Shikin, after stepping on a landmine, found himself in a dire medical situation. He was rushed to the hospital with shrapnel embedded in his skull, burns on his face and hand, and injuries to his left eye, chest, arms, and legs. A part of his skull had to be surgically removed. Shikin had enlisted in the military to gain his freedom from a penal colony. In recent years, many inmates have made similar decisions as Russia sought to bolster its military ranks for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Once treated, Shikin was supposed to undergo a military medical evaluation to determine if he qualified as “unfit for military service.” Doctors recommended a reevaluation after a month of medical leave. However, he was immediately sent back to the front lines with a titanium plate in his head instead.

Patterns of Inequity

Shikin’s experience isn’t isolated; numerous cases have surfaced that expose a pattern of sending injured soldiers back into combat without the legally mandated medical evaluations. Public court documents reveal claims that commanders have repeatedly disregarded proper medical procedures, allowing wounded soldiers to return to battle prematurely.

Legal Frameworks and Medical Assessments

According to Russian military law, soldiers can be categorized as “unfit” or “partially fit” for duty, which can justify an early discharge. These determinations should be made by a military medical board made up of various doctors, including a general practitioner, surgeon, neurologist, psychiatrist, ophthalmologist, otolaryngologist, dentist, and potentially other specialists.

Shikin argued his case before the Nizhny Novgorod Military Court, stating he had not received a proper medical evaluation, and the court sided with him, instructing his commander to comply with evaluation protocols. However, records are scarce after this point; it remains unclear if he was ever reevaluated or if he remains alive today.

The Dilemma for Incarcerated Soldiers

Many former prisoners find themselves trapped in the military. This situation has led to assertions that they are “cynically sent to almost certain death” on the battlefield, according to Sergei Krivenko, director of the Citizen Army Law human rights organization. For instance, the Southern Military District Court ruled that Rustam Farzaliyev’s criminal record prevented him from leaving the military, despite being deemed “partially fit” due to a significant illness.

Another ex-inmate, Vitaly Kamenyuk, reported that he was deemed fit for service based solely on a single neurologist’s opinion, despite an initial injury report categorizing his condition as “severe.”

Widespread Concerns

Issues also extend beyond incarcerated soldiers. Regular volunteers suffering from conditions like HIV, tuberculosis, cancer, or mental illnesses have been classified as “partially fit” for military duty. Critiques regarding medical evaluations are rampant among all ranks of the military.

Recent Recruitment Campaigns

Despite ongoing recruitment efforts targeting prisoners, students, and even citizens from abroad, reports from independent Russian media indicate a notable decline in enlistment willingness, even with offers of substantial pay. Meanwhile, the toll of the conflict continues to rise, with BBC News identifying over 233,200 Russian soldiers killed since the invasion began. Estimates suggest that the total could be nearly 500,000.

Military Policy Changes

In light of rising complaints from injured soldiers, the Russian Ministry of Defense has made strides to solidify its wartime practices into permanent legislation. This move may effectively replace comprehensive medical reviews with simpler check-ups, according to an attorney from the Coalition Call to Conscience, which aids military recruits and personnel. This shift implies a long-term strategy for the Russian military, signaling they are preparing for sustained conflict for years to come.

The Russian Ministry of Defense has been asked to comment on the proposed legislation and concerns over inadequate medical evaluations, but so far, there has been no response.

Conclusion

The situation regarding military medical evaluations in Russia raises serious ethical and legal questions. As more cases of improper assessments emerge, the plight of soldiers like Oleg Shikin highlights significant flaws in the system, impacting the very lives of those serving.

Key Takeaways

• Many injured Russian soldiers are being sent back to combat without proper medical evaluations.
• Legal provisions allow for questionable categories of fitness that may endanger lives.
• Several former prisoners find themselves essentially forced into military service.
• Recent recruitment efforts show decreasing interest despite promising incentives amid rising casualties.