Russia Proposes Drafting Soldiers With Syphilis and Mental Disorders Under New Military Regulations

Russia’s Defense Ministry amendments to the “Regulations on Military Medical Examination,” aim to extend the validity of medical assessments and lower health requirements for military service, The Moscow Times reported on February 3.

Under the proposed rules, recruits diagnosed with primary, secondary, or latent syphilis would no longer be exempt from service. Instead of receiving a Category ‘V’ (limited fitness) designation, making them ineligible, they would now be allowed to serve in roles such as guarding strategic missile complexes.

Similarly, those suffering from stage-one hypertension, who are currently exempt, would now be reclassified making them eligible for roles such as armored vehicle and missile system operators.

The proposal also raises the bar for medical exemptions for conditions like subclinical hypothyroidism, psoriasis, hives, and eczema.

Additionally, it would make it harder for mobilized soldiers and contract servicemen to leave the military, even if they suffer from moderate endogenous psychosis, severe stress-related neurotic disorders, or mood disorders. Soldiers with these conditions, previously categorized as ‘D’ (unfit for service), would now fall under Category ‘V’, meaning they would remain in the military.

Earlier, reports emerged that three Russian conscripts from Sakhalin, who were engaged in a legal battle with the Russian Ministry of Defense over forged military contracts, had been killed in combat in Ukraine.