DW reported the information.Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has become the first major conflict in history to see such widespread use of drones, resulting in catastrophic injuries on both sides and among civilians. The consequences have been devastating: tens of thousands, possibly hundreds of thousands, of Russian military personnel now require artificial limbs following amputations.While exact figures remain classified since September 2023, available data paints a stark picture. According to Russia's Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, Russian citizens with disabilities received 152,500 prosthetics in 2024—a dramatic increase from 99,200 in 2023 and the pre-war average of 80,000-90,000 annually. The International Institute for Strategic Studies estimates that by late 2024, about 376,000 Russian soldiers had become disabled, with over half requiring amputations—suggesting more than 180,000 military personnel may have lost limbs.Russian government spending on prosthetics has surged accordingly. The 2026 federal budget allocates 98 billion rubles for "technical rehabilitation equipment," nearly triple the 33 billion rubles spent in 2020-2021. Despite domestic manufacturers rapidly expanding production—with sales growing 49% annually between 2022-2024—Russian companies cover only about half of total demand. The most sophisticated prosthetics, including microprocessor-controlled joints and sensory systems, continue to be imported.Germany has emerged as a significant supplier. Data from Germany's Federal Statistical Office reveals that prosthetic exports to Russia reached 47.8 million euros in 2024, nearly double the approximately 25 million euros in both 2022 and 2023, and well above the pre-war average of 15-20 million euros annually. Physical shipments also doubled from 50 tons to over 100 tons. The trend accelerated in 2025, with exports hitting 53 million euros in just the first nine months.These shipments remain legal under current sanctions, as European restrictions exempt medical products not directly or indirectly used for military purposes. However, German companies face mounting criticism for maintaining operations in Russia.Ottobock, Germany's largest prosthetics manufacturer and a global industry leader, has drawn particular scrutiny. The company generated 8.8% of its global revenue from Russia in the first half of 2025, up from 6.8% in 2024. CEO Oliver Jakobi insists the company doesn't participate in Russian Defense Ministry tenders or supply military hospitals, stating: "We are not making Russian soldiers fit for war again—our products certainly do not contribute to maintaining the combat capability of the Russian army."Yet Ottobock acknowledges the limitations of such assurances. While the company reduced its Russian locations from seven to four since the war began, most revenue comes not from individual clients but from government tenders with Russia's Pension and Social Insurance Fund and from supplying components to local partners. The company cannot control who these partners ultimately serve. In materials for investors, Ottobock admits: "We cannot completely exclude that some of our products are also used to treat war invalids or veterans."