Ukrainian soldiers fire with the Archer Artillery System on Russian position on December 16, 2023, in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine.
Ukrainian soldiers fire with the Archer Artillery System on Russian position on December 16, 2023, in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine.
  • Members of Russian penal units are highly likely going into battle with unhealed wounds and amputations. 
  • UK intel says the units, which consist mostly of convicts, are likely to receive poor medical treatment.
  • Previous reports indicate Russia has often sent troops back into battle while still injured.

Desperate to advance amid a devastating war of attrition and a relatively unstable stalemate, Russia is throwing troops back into battle with unhealed injuries and amputations, Western intelligence suggests.