Russia's healthcare system is struggling due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, initiated by Vladimir Putin, which has led to the closure of 160 hospitals and left patients without adequate care as resources are redirected to support the war. Since the invasion began in February 2022, Moscow has faced economic challenges from sanctions and the costs associated with the conflict, with nearly a million casualties reported.
The war effort appears to be compromising healthcare for Russian citizens, as highlighted by a recent UK Defence Intelligence report. This report indicates that at least 160 public hospitals have been closed, with a shortage of medical staff and equipment becoming increasingly evident. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) suggests that the number of healthcare professionals available to serve the civilian population in Russia will likely continue to decline through 2025.
Among the closed facilities are 18 maternity hospitals and over 10 children's clinics, closures attributed to "insufficient funding for healthcare" as resources are prioritized for the war in Ukraine, according to the MoD. The Defence Intelligence update further notes that residents in smaller towns and villages often face reduced or nonexistent medical care due to these closures.
The high number of military casualties, estimated to exceed 500,000, has placed additional strain on Russia's military medical system. This situation has likely resulted in medical resources being diverted from civilian needs to military ones, exacerbating the impact on civilian hospitals.
In a recent development, Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to a "limited ceasefire" in the Ukraine conflict during a 90-minute phone conversation aimed at resolving the situation. The initial steps toward peace include stopping attacks on energy and infrastructure and engaging in technical discussions for a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea.