Summary
The article reports that drug use among Russian troops is widespread on the front lines in Ukraine. Many soldiers use drugs to cope with stress and boredom, with both Russian and Ukrainian forces affected. Drug use is noted as a common issue in wars, but modern synthetic drugs and stressful war conditions have increased the problem.
Key Facts
- Alexander Medvedev, a Russian soldier, witnessed drug use among his unit, leading to a squad leader's overdose.
- Drug use among soldiers is linked to coping with war stress and long deployments.
- A study showed 61% of Russian soldiers treated at a psychiatric hospital had issues related to drug use.
- Ukrainian soldiers also use drugs, with 38% reportedly taking amphetamines recently.
- Alcohol and cannabis are the most used substances among troops, followed by anti-anxiety medications.
- Drugs like barbiturates and amphetamines are easily accessed without prescriptions in Russian garrison towns.
- Many soldiers, especially those previously in prison, struggled with drug addiction before the conflict.
