Title: Russian War Veterans Experience PTSD Trauma and Struggle to Reintegrate into Society
Subtitle: Soldiers returning from the war in Ukraine face challenges as they battle post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Date: [Date]
In a harrowing account of the ongoing psychological torment experienced by veterans of Russia’s war against Ukraine, Private Alexander Teploukhov shares his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with The Daily Beast. Months after leaving the frontline, Teploukhov continues to relive the violence and terror of war, as flashbacks invade his thoughts and disturb his daily life.
Teploukhov recounts the recurring episodes he refers to as “memory holes,” where he is mentally transported back to the Avdiivka combat zone in war-ravaged Donetsk. The traumatic scenes play out before him, forcing him to relive the chaos: running, witnessing his comrades being shot, digging amidst flames, and running for cover once again. He describes these experiences as “torture” that haunt him, lasting two to three minutes each time, sometimes even striking him when he is in public transport. The nightmares leave him disoriented, unaware of his surroundings and his actions during the flashbacks.
Teploukhov’s plight is not unique. The Russian health ministry estimates that up to 11 percent of soldiers suffer from PTSD, but independent psychologists argue that the figure might be higher, as virtually every soldier returning from the frontlines experiences some form of PTSD. However, the treatment offered to these soldiers remains shrouded in secrecy, as the military’s mental health system is closed and classified.
The detrimental effects of war-related PTSD are exemplified by the case of Private Ildar Bulatov, who took hostages at a gas station in Ufa, demanding the shutdown of a criminal case against him for desertion from his military unit in Ukraine. The war’s psychological toll on soldiers is also reflected in the increasingly frequent reports of violent crimes committed by veterans after returning home.
Alexander Teploukhov, who had a troubled past before his military service, identifies with these stories of violence permeating civilian life after the war. A lack of access to proper mental health support exacerbates the situation, leading to a spiral of drug abuse, alcoholism, and the potential for further criminal activity.
Furthermore, Russia’s army recruitment and rehabilitation efforts compound the situation. Thousands of ex-convicts are thrown into frontline battles where they are treated as expendable assets by Russian generals or Wagner commanders. Many have lost their lives on the battlefield, and those who survive bear deep psychological scars.
Olga Romanova, director of the prisoner rights group Russia Behind Bars, warns that the issues surrounding PTSD among soldiers will become an acute problem once thousands more traumatized soldiers return from the front. She emphasizes the urgent need for psychiatric help, compensation, and rehabilitation programs for these veterans.
As more soldiers like Teploukhov struggle to reintegrate into society, it is evident that the psychological aftermath of war extends far beyond the physical battles fought on the frontlines. The Russian government must prioritize the well-being of its soldiers by investing in comprehensive mental health support and providing accessible resources to aid their transition back into civilian life.