Upper-limb prosthetics jumped 75%, while wheelchair deliveries rose 18%, according to Russian labor-ministry figures cited in the British update.
UK analysts said the spike likely reflects rising battle casualties and distribution bottlenecks previously flagged by Russian independent media.
“Russia is almost certainly failing to provide adequate frontline medical care, leading to more long-term disabilities,” the assessment said, warning the growing cohort of amputee veterans would strain the country’s health and welfare systems.
Ukraine’s general staff says more than one million Russian troops have been killed or wounded since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, a figure broadly echoed by Western intelligence estimates.
Amputation is common on both sides: PBS reported about 20,000 Ukrainian amputees in 2024 and projected up to 50,000 could need prosthetics by year-end.
(jh)
Source: RBC, PBS, Associated Press