Russian armies exploit HIV and hepatitis patients in the war against Ukraine
12:57 PM EST, December 19, 2023
Reports of Russians recruiting HIV-positive individuals emerged a year ago, primarily concerning the operations of the Wagner Group, the mercenary unit. It was suggested that as many as 10 percent of the inmate population in Russia have HIV, with many others combating tuberculosis or hepatitis C. These patients were quite receptive to the idea of joining Yevgeny Prigozhin's private army.
Upon their enlistment, those infected were promised access to required medications. Some even preferred dying on the battlefield over enduring the agony of their diseases.
People suffering from diseases like HIV, hepatitis, and tuberculosis are visibly tagged by the Russians. They wear red or white bands on their wrists, alerting fellow soldiers and medical staff to the potential risk of infection from their blood.
Ukrainians have captured numerous sick volunteers. They provided detailed accounts of their experiences on the front line and the recruitment methods used to enlist them.
Reduta enlists HIV-positive mercenaries
The disbandment of the Wagner Group has by no means halted the recruitment of individuals with health issues. The operation was simply passed on to Reduta, a private military "company" governed by the military intelligence GRU.
As reported by the Ukrainian "Pravda", people with illnesses or those infected with HIV are legally barred from joining the army via a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense. Therefore, the responsibility of recruiting from this group falls squarely on Reduta.
Related: A GRU officer defects to the West, revealing Kremlin's secrets
The recruiters have started posting ads on social media. These ads specifically mention that they are looking to hire HIV-positive and hepatitis-infected men. They offer a monthly salary of 230 thousand for a six-month contract.
A journalist decided to respond to one of these ads. He posed as an HIV-positive man. The recruiter informed him that he was enlisted in Reduta but would have to procure his medications. The only thing they provided was the means to engage in combat.
