British Defence Intelligence Update Ukraine 17 June 2025

Open-source reporting indicates a significant increase in the number of prosthetic limbs being issued in Russia. Based on data cited from Russia’s Ministry of Labour, Russians with disabilities reportedly received 152,500 artificial limbs in 2024, a 53% increase on 2023, including a 75% increase in the issuance of arm prosthetics. The number of wheelchairs issued was also reported to have increased by 18% in the same period.

Independent Russian media outlet Verstka has previously reported that injured Russian soldiers with amputated limbs had been left waiting for extended periods for required prosthetics.

Russia is almost certainly failing to provide necessary combat medical treatment at the front line, which in turn contributes to a greater number of serious long-term injuries amongst Russian soldiers. The significant rise in the numbers of Russian men with disabilities, as well as wounded personnel more broadly, will almost certainly have a detrimental long-term impact on both medical and social services in Russia.

Source: Kyiv Post