Russia promised imprisoned women medical work, but sent them under artillery fire

Russia has recruited women from penal colonies for an experimental military medicine program but has since sent them to the front lines, where they have been forced to work under artillery fire and drone attacks. Several women have also reported sexual violence, threats of execution, and the removal of newborn children, according to a report published by Verstka, a Russian investigative journalism outlet.

According to Verstka, the "Vybór" or "Choice" program, which began in 2024, recruited 73 convicted women for military medical service. Around New Year 2025, the women were moved to a temporarily occupied part of the Luhansk region.

According to United24 Media, they were initially assigned to the 370th Separate Medical Battalion but were later dispersed among hospitals and frontline units. Although the women were recruited for medical work, some were ordered to evacuate wounded and deceased soldiers under artillery fire and drone attacks.

Participants in the program began to be called "V-shki" after the program's Russian name. Several women described discriminatory treatment related to their former status as prisoners. "They took everything. You have no rights to anything. You are a V-shka," recalled one woman who wished to remain anonymous.

Allegations of sexual violence

Verstka also documented allegations of sexual violence against women participating in the program. Military medic Lyudmila Poltarakova accused the commander of Russia's 12th Tank Regiment, Colonel Sergei Zhitkov, of repeatedly raping her from February 2025 until at least March. By the time the investigation was published, no rape case had been initiated based on her accusations.

Poltarakova reported the alleged rape to the military prosecutor's office on July 12, 2026, fearing she might be sent to the front or killed. She was later removed from the hospital, and by the time the article was published, she was alive and on the front lines. Russian authorities had initiated a criminal case against her for allegedly refusing to leave the hospital for a combat mission.

Additionally, Verstka recorded threats against another former prisoner. A man was identified who claimed to be the brother of an FSB officer. This man warned that he would throw a grenade into the woman's trench if she refused his demands.

Children taken from mothers

The investigation also revealed that some women gave birth while in service. At least three newborns were separated from their mothers immediately after birth and given to relatives, not orphanages.

"The child isn't even a month old, and they are taken from their mothers," an anonymous source said. "I personally sent the children away. I still feel terrible about it."