Reports indicate that the Russian military is compelling injured convicts, many of whom have lost limbs in combat, to return to the front lines to address a critical manpower shortage. Witnesses detail that these soldiers, some without prosthetics, are deployed in the most hazardous areas of the conflict, raising serious ethical and humanitarian concerns regarding their treatment.

One soldier, identified as Pte Sarstev, who lost a leg in fighting, stated that he was pressured to return to battle despite his condition. Pte Sarstev and others have described receiving orders to fight even with significant disabilities, allegedly directed by Colonel Kosťantynov Volodymyr Mykolajovyč, highlighting the desperation within the ranks of the Russian military as casualties rise.

These practices contribute to a broader narrative of the harsh realities of war for those involved, especially for individuals who were already marginalized, such as prisoners. The Russian state's disregard for the welfare of these soldiers raises questions about military ethics and the extent of desperation amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine.