War And Drugs: Ukraine And Russian Soldiers Use MDMA, Amphetamines, Alcohol And Cannabis As Healing And Combat Tools

As the war between Ukraine and Russia grinds on, soldiers on both sides are increasingly turning to drugs to cope with the profound stress and trauma during and after frontline combat. Reports indicate that Ukrainian and Russian soldiers are using substances like alcohol, MDMA, amphetamines and cannabis, underscoring a troubling trend with historical precedents and the complex role of drugs in combat zones.

Substance Use Among Ukrainian Defenders

Ukrainian soldiers defending their country from Russia have resorted to drugs and alcohol to manage the severe psychological toll of the conflict. According to The Daily Beast, soldiers on the front lines are using MDMA and amphetamines to endure relentless stress and many continue their substance use after returning home from combat.

Alcohol, although banned in conflict zones like Donbas, still makes its way to the front lines through smugglers and off-rotation soldiers. Conversely, many soldiers purchase banned drugs through online shops allegedly run by the Ukrainian mafia. Valerii, an Ukrainian soldier consulted by The Daily Beast, recounted using amphetamines to stay awake during extended rotations, some of which required up to 25 days without being able to rest. This practice is common among his peers, he said, with amphetamines costing between $25 and $50 per gram. 

The dire situation on the Ukrainian front lines contrasts sharply with the propaganda of national pride in Kyiv. The harsh realities faced by soldiers in the Donbas region, including the lack of proper medical care, psychological support and prolonged exposure to combat, have led many to find respite from trauma and pain in drugs.

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Russia's Amphetamine-Fueled Infantry

The use of drugs among soldiers is not unique to Ukraine. Russian soldiers have also been reported to use amphetamines. The Royal United Services Institute found evidence that Russian soldiers, including conscripts and former convicts, often appear to be “under the influence of amphetamines or other narcotic substances.” These “disposable infantry” units are sent into combat jacked up on amphetamines, making them more aggressive and less concerned with the risks – a tactic not new to warfare but still controversial and unethical.

Cannabis Legislation Offers Relief For Ukrainian Soldiers

In response to the mental health crisis among soldiers, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a medical cannabis bill in February 2024. The legislation aims to provide relief for those suffering from war-induced PTSD and other conditions. This move follows the Ukrainian Parliament’s approval of the bill, which is expected to allow the legal prescription and increased access to cannabis in the near future as an effort to offer veterans safer alternatives to more potent substances.

Balancing Ethical Condemnation And Healing Potential

As the war continues, addressing the dual role of drugs in war requires a pragmatic and human rights-focused approach. While it’s crucial to condemn the immoral use of drugs as tools for encouraging violence and inhumane practices, it is also key to recognize and harness their potential to alleviate the physical and mental suffering caused by war.

Read next: Weed, War And Taboo In Ukraine: ‘Whoever Wants To Sell You Marijuana Is Going To Scam You’

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