Prosthetics Innovation Accelerated by Surge in Wounded Soldiers, Claims Russian Defense Leader

A high-ranking official from the Defense Ministry stated on Thursday that the influx of Russian soldiers injured in the conflict with Ukraine has positioned the nation as a global leader in the development of prosthetic limbs.

Deputy Defense Minister Anna Tsivilyova, who is reportedly related to President Vladimir Putin, noted that veterans returning from combat have been a key factor driving innovation in prosthetics.

«We are likely the foremost nation in this area now,» Tsivilyova commented at the Eastern Economic Forum held in Vladivostok. «Those engaged in the special military operation have propelled us to an advanced stage, putting us ahead of numerous other countries,» she added, referring to the Kremlin’s terminology for the conflict.

According to Russian government statistics, the country provided 60,000 more prosthetic limbs in 2024 than in 2021, reflecting a 65% increase.

Moscow maintains tight secrecy regarding the number of soldiers killed and injured in the conflict and seldom reveals information about casualties. Reports from the BBC and the exiled news outlet Mediazona indicate they have recorded over 125,000 Russian soldiers killed in the ongoing war.

Last year, Putin mentioned that approximately 700,000 Russian troops were deployed in Ukraine.