May 1, 2026:
Russia is desperately short of sources for new soldiers. They have recruited Cubans, Africans, Central Asians and tried to get Indians, who were attracted to the high signing bonuses, Prime Minister Modi halted that practice. Now Russia is obtaining recruits from AIDS facilities in Russia. The government distributed recruitment posters presenting military contracts to people sick with HIV and hepatitis. These were posted in AIDS prevention locations in some areas of Russia.
The posters offered potential recruits a sizable one-off payment, debt relief, and special attention for both foreigners and those with criminal records.
Patients visiting AIDS Prevention and Infectious Diseases facilities are being encouraged to enlist in the Russian armed forces. Posted notices display information about how Russia is seeking volunteers for the Ukraine war. Russia will accept personnel with HIV and hepatitis.
Potential recruits are offered a lump-sum payment of $22,700, with contracts lasting from one year, debt write-offs of up to $133,556, and various additional benefits. According to the notice, applications from individuals with criminal convictions or from foreign citizens will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The notice was placed directly beside the entrance to the registration desk. Nearby, another notice promoted an initiative to plant a memorial garden in some cities in honor of participants in the war in Ukraine.
Reports that the Russian military has been recruiting people with HIV, hepatitis, and tuberculosis first emerged in late 2025, when the outlet articles highlighted similar promotions on a popular classifieds website. It now appears that such recruitment efforts may also be taking place within hospitals and clinics.
Under authorized regulations issued by the Russian Ministry of Defense, HIV and hepatitis are listed among conditions that disqualify individuals from military service.
The restriction exists primarily to protect patients’ health: the physical strain and psychological stress of military life can significantly worsen these conditions. Furthermore, such patients require ongoing treatment and careful medical supervision, which are difficult to maintain in a military environment. For example, people living with HIV must adhere strictly to a regimen of antiretroviral therapy.
Previously, it was reported that recruiters had sent individuals suffering from chronic alcoholism to fight in Ukraine.