Russia Is Sending Soldiers With HIV On Combat Missions

• 8.10.2026, 7:36

An intercepted message from the Main Intelligence Directorate has been published.

The Russian military is deploying occupiers with HIV to combat missions on the front lines, even despite a medical board’s conclusion that they are unfit for service.

This was reported by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense’s intelligence service.

The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense has released an audio recording of a conversation between a Russian servicemember.

According to intelligence reports, this involves the Russian Federation’s 1st Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade, operating in the Pokrovsk direction.

As noted by the Main Intelligence Directorate, the Russian soldier was diagnosed with HIV. Without the necessary medication, this disease can lead to complications. Moreover, back in February, a military medical commission deemed the occupier unfit for service.

Despite this, he continued to be deployed on combat missions. According to intelligence reports, the Russian command also declared the soldier a deserter.

“The occupier has HIV, which, without the necessary medication, leads to complications. Moreover, as far back as February, a medical board deemed him unfit for service, yet this did not prevent him from being deployed on combat missions,” the Ministry of Defense’s press service reported.

In an intercepted conversation, the occupier himself explains that he was discharged following a decision by the military medical board, but did not wait for the final decision and was therefore charged with desertion.

The Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) stated that this indicates problems with medical care and the treatment of service members in the Russian army.

Intelligence officials also noted that involving soldiers previously deemed unfit for service in assault operations creates additional risks for the Russian army itself.