Ukrainian syndrome

In February 2022, Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine. This conflict is characterized by a situation of high-intensity warfare,[1][2] which was unprecedented in Europe since the end of the Yugoslav Wars and, more generally, since the end of World War II, which had seen high-intensity conflicts give way to asymmetrical wars.[3] Furthermore, both the Russian Armed Forces and the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been involved in war crimes and crimes against humanity during this war.[4][5][6][7][8][9][10]

From the second half of 2022, mercenary forces serving the Russian army, such as the Wagner Group, began recruiting volunteers from Russian prisons in exchange for their freedom at the end of a few months of service.[11][12] The prisoners who accepted these conditions were mostly individuals serving heavy sentences, thus willing to risk their lives for their freedom.[13]

As soldiers and mercenaries return to Russia, increasingly from early 2023, crime rates in the areas where they come back witness a drastic increase.[14] Drug consumption, rapes, and murders committed by former soldiers are on the rise in Russia.[13][14] This trend is likely explained by what is referred to as the "Ukrainian syndrome," a collection of psychological, psychiatric, or pathological disorders developed by soldiers, primarily Russians, during the invasion of Ukraine.[15][16]

• Gulf War syndrome
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Vietnam syndrome