Russia's disability rates soar amid ongoing Ukraine conflict

The Defence Ministry's report was based on daily intelligence updates, which included an analysis conducted by the independent portal Wiorstka - as reported by PAP. The portal focused on studying the Russian pension fund and social insurance.

The study's results indicated that between 2022 and 2023, Russia experienced a record increase in the number of men aged 31 to 59 with disabilities. This is the most significant increase recorded in the last eight years. In 2022, the number of men with disabilities officially stood at 1.67 million, and by 2023, it had increased by 507,000, representing a 30 percent increase.

The report added that Russian demographers, who spoke with the Wiorstka portal, stated that the surge in the number of men with disabilities is most likely related to an increase in the number of war veterans with disabilities. They indicated that the conflict in Ukraine could have influenced this situation.

The intelligence update assessed that this is probably the main cause of social changes in Russia. It was also noted that the vast majority of the 335,000 casualties, sustained by the Russian armed forces in Ukraine, were wounded. The average daily number of Russian casualties has since the offensive began in autumn 2023, reaching a peak of 983 per day. This is the highest rate since the beginning of the war - emphasized the British ministry.

The UK Ministry of Defence stated that "the record increase in the number of men aged 31 to 59 with disabilities and wounded soldiers will significantly impact Russian medical and social benefits". It was pointed out that the growing number of people requiring medical care and social support could put additional strain on the Russian healthcare and social system.