In brief
The return of Russian veterans from the ongoing Ukraine war presents a significant challenge, as many come home with visible injuries such as amputations and invisible battles with PTSD. Amid government sanctions and societal stigma, the rehabilitation process remains arduous for these soldiers.
Aleksandr, a 38-year-old veteran, is recuperating at a sanitarium outside Moscow, facing the reality of life after losing a leg to a landmine during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. After only two short weeks of training, he was sent to the front lines in the summer of 2023, where his injuries marked the beginning of a difficult recovery journey. "The pain was intense at first," he shared during an interview, indicating the emotional and physical turmoil that accompanies such profound loss. Despite the passage of time and the adjustments he is forced to make, Aleksandr recognizes the resilience required to adapt to life without his left leg. He is just one among an alarming number of soldiers now considered veterans from a protracted war. An estimated 300,000 veterans are reported to have sustained severe injuries, according to sources like Mediazona and the BBC, which have utilized open-source intelligence to compile data on casualty rates. These numbers may be significantly underreported due to the Russian government’s recent decision to classify many war-related statistics, posing additional hurdles for journalists and researchers seeking transparency.Back at home, families bear the weight of dual trauma: the pain of waiting for their loved ones' safe return and the ensuing need to provide support as these veterans recover. Many returning soldiers experience the stigmatization that often accompanies mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Dima, another soldier from Kursk, is recovering with the help of hydro massage therapy at the same sanitarium as Aleksandr. His legs are paralyzed due to shrapnel injuries, highlighting just one aspect of the invisible and visible scars that the veterans now carry. As they reintegrate into daily life, these men face the complex landscape of Russian society, where bustling cities contrast sharply with the grim realities faced by many returning veterans. The government is tasked with addressing their needs amid ongoing sanctions that complicate efforts to provide adequate care and rehabilitation programs. The journey for these veterans is fraught with challenges, as they navigate a path of recovery while interacting with a society that may not fully understand their struggles.
