Each and every man without arms operates mechanically or automatic-like.

In a troubling turn of events, two Russian servicemen, Dmitry Mischenko and Ivan Topchiy, have found themselves in a precarious situation due to their injuries and the military's handling of their cases.

Dmitry Mischenko, a 32-year-old construction worker, joined the military in October 2023 and was assigned to the 247th Guards Regiment as a private. Just a week after his enlistment, he was sent to the war-torn Luhansk region. His life took a drastic turn in the summer of 2024 when he lost his right arm in the conflict. Despite being categorised as temporarily unfit for service and receiving a "D" category disability, Mischenko was sent back to the front lines, despite his lack of combat experience.

Mischenko's documents stating his unfit status for permanent service were sent to the Luhansk unit, but he was not discharged. After his first medical leave, he was extended twice, each time with an official leave ticket. However, in March, he was threatened with deployment to the front once more. His injury has caused his life to spiral downward, and his parents have had to step in financially to help him.

Ivan Topchiy, a 40-year-old soldier, sustained a penetrating, shrapnel wound to his shoulder joint and scapula, effectively leaving him armless. His hand is unable to move or even bend, and he has been given a permanent "D" category. Despite this, Topchiy was denied discharge and was initially refused leave after his hospital stay.

The commander who sends armless fighters with a "D" category disability to front-line service remains unnamed. Reports suggest that this is likely a military or paramilitary group operating in a conflict zone, but further specific details are needed to identify the exact commander and unit.

Siberian human rights activist Alex has noted that the military started "catching" wounded and sick soldiers with a "D" category as early as November 2024. This practice has been further corroborated by the Telegram channel "Mobilization," which reported on February 7 that wounded soldiers were being forced to return to the frontlines despite their injuries.

In a disturbing incident, military police officers were caught on video brutally beating injured servicemen in military unit No. 55115 in Kyzyl, where the 55th Motorized Rifle Brigade is based, in January 2025. Regional leaders in Siberia and the Far East have not been publishing photos and videos featuring war-injured Ukrainian participants since 2023, as noted by Sibir.Realii.

In a more positive development, a camp for soldiers who refused to fight or went AWOL has appeared in Kuzbass in February 2025. As the situation unfolds, it is crucial that the rights and well-being of injured soldiers like Dmitry Mischenko and Ivan Topchiy are prioritised and respected.