By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Pro-Kremlin commentator Anastasia Kashevarova reports that the Russian military is grouping soldiers diagnosed with HIV and hepatitis into separate units, requiring them to wear armbands. This strategy mirrors that of the Wagner mercenary group and is a response to a growing epidemic of “socially dangerous” diseases within the ranks, exacerbated by factors such as poor hygiene, overcrowding, and limited medical resources. Data indicates a significant increase in HIV cases among Russian military personnel. Experts warn that the situation is likely far worse than reported, with potential for outbreaks within these segregated units and the risk of widespread infection among demobilized soldiers.
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Germ warfare. The spread of chronic diseases in the Russian army is rapidly becoming an epidemic threatening society as a whole, and it’s something we really can’t afford to ignore. The sad truth is that this has always been a major problem during wars, going back centuries. We see it in the historical records, from the Romans to more recent conflicts. It’s a cruel irony that armies, designed to protect their nation, often can’t protect their own soldiers from preventable diseases. It seems like a fundamental failure.
Think about it – the close quarters of military life, coupled with poor sanitation, create the perfect breeding ground for illness. If you’re a soldier in the Russian army, and you’re wounded, your prospects are bleak. You might be left on the battlefield. Even if you’re “lucky” enough to be rescued, you face the risk of dirty blood transfusions, unhygienic medical care, and crowded conditions where diseases thrive. Returning to the front lines or being sent home to impoverished conditions with little medical support – it’s a recipe for disaster. And we’re not just talking about the battlefield.
The lack of basic hygiene is shocking, even by historical standards. Footwraps instead of socks? That just tells you how little the leadership cares for their soldiers. Then there’s the spread of diseases like HIV, which is reportedly rampant. This isn’t just a logistical problem; it reflects a deeper cultural issue within the Russian military. The attitude towards hygiene, the disregard for soldiers’ well-being, the institutionalized sexual assault – it’s a toxic environment. The disregard for human life appears to be a fundamental flaw.
The Sverdlovsk anthrax leak in 1979 is a prime example of how germ warfare can have devastating consequences, even when it’s not necessarily intentional. A leak at a research facility resulted in at least 68 deaths, but the real number is likely much higher, due to the cover-up. This isn’t some isolated incident; it’s a symptom of a systemic problem, a willingness to sacrifice the health and lives of those involved, and the Russian government is quite good at denying and covering things up.
It’s important to remember that Russia also has a long history with biological weapons programs, including the acquisition of knowledge from Unit 731 in World War II. Quantity over quality? They can’t even train, feed, equip or treat their soldiers properly. The historical precedent for all of this is undeniable. We’ve seen how it’s played out time and time again. From the Children’s Crusade – a tragic failure because of disease outbreaks – to modern conflicts.
We also have to consider that this lack of care extends beyond the soldiers to the general population. The Russian government has been a major contributor to the anti-vaccine movement. That is the sort of mentality that has led us here. This is deeply concerning, because it points to a pattern of denial, negligence, and a lack of respect for human life.
The modern implications are clear. A military struggling with endemic diseases is a weakened military. It’s unable to perform effectively, unable to protect its soldiers, and ultimately unable to achieve its objectives. I strongly feel that the invasion of Ukraine was designed to acquire additional territory to improve demographics.
There are some very serious analysts looking at this situation. They point to Russia’s declining population and the aging of its society. Putin may be afraid of being overthrown, but that is only a factor. The demographic crisis is another one. The combination of these two things is why we’re seeing this aggression.
So, what does all this mean? It means that we need to understand the full scope of the threat. The spread of chronic diseases within the Russian army is not just a military problem; it’s a societal problem. It has implications for public health, for international security, and for the future of Russia itself. History has shown us what can happen when these factors combine. We can’t afford to forget the past.