American and British intelligence agencies were aware of Russia’s plans to invade Ukraine in early 2022, as they had stolen the plans. One indicator that Russia would follow through with the invasion was the movement of field hospitals to the border with Ukraine. Additionally, ongoing blood drives among Russian university students and the practice of operations on large animals in the field hospitals were concerning signs. According to Major-General Tim Hodgetts, these medical indicators and warnings are predictive of war.
The war in Ukraine is the largest in Europe since 1945, with a scale and intensity not seen by Western armies since the Korean war. Military casualties have far surpassed those of recent American and European campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. The experience in Ukraine will have a lasting impact on military medicine. In Afghanistan and Iraq, advancements in wartime medical care led to significant improvements in survival rates. Evacuating wounded troops by helicopter and treating them within the “golden hour” increased the chances of survival. However, in Ukraine, the ratio of wounded to killed soldiers has plummeted back to Vietnam levels, suggesting a decline in medical care quality. A study from the Royal United Services Institute indicated that 40% of wounded Ukrainian personnel suffered permanent injuries.
The limitations of medical care on both sides contribute to the high casualty rates. Russia treats infantry as disposable and sends wounded soldiers back to the front lines with serious injuries. Ukraine, on the other hand, is facing challenges due to its ongoing conflict and limited resources. The war has strained the country’s healthcare system, resulting in difficulties in providing adequate care to wounded personnel.
In conclusion, the medical indicators and casualties in the war in Ukraine have highlighted the importance of preparedness and quality medical care in future conflicts. The experience in Ukraine will shape military medicine going forward, with a focus on improving evacuation and treatment capabilities to increase survival rates and minimize long-term injuries. The limitations faced by both Russia and Ukraine in providing proper medical care underscore the need for adequate resources and support during times of conflict.
