Solvier Without Limbs Left Without Documents and Benefits

A Russian serviceman who lost his arms and legs during the special military operation faced an unexpected ordeal after returning from the front. The soldier, named as Ildirim, was unable to obtain a passport, which left him effectively without legal identity or access to state support, Regnum reports.

Photo: https://www.mos.ru/news/item/163660073/ by Без автора, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Russian passport

A Soldier's Path to the Front

Ildirim arrived in Russia from Azerbaijan in 2020. In 2024, he signed a contract with the Ministry of Defense and was deployed to the combat zone. Later that year, he sustained catastrophic injuries during fighting, resulting in the loss of all four limbs. According to contextual details in the report, the amputations may have been partial.

During his evacuation and treatment, the serviceman lost his personal documents. Whether he had formally obtained Russian citizenship before deployment remains unclear, but regardless of his legal status, he required valid identification to access benefits and medical services.

When Bureaucracy Overruled Reality

The obstacle proved to be procedural rather than legal. To issue a modern Russian passport, authorities require biometric data. Officials refused to collect fingerprints from the wounded soldier, citing the fact that he retained only a single finger.

Without biometric identification, the passport application process was effectively blocked, leaving the soldier without documents.

As a result, Ildirim could not receive financial compensation, rehabilitation support, or prosthetic assistance. Despite having served under contract and suffered life-altering injuries, he remained outside the system intended to support veterans.

Public Attention Changed the Outcome

The situation changed only after the case was publicized. Following media coverage, the necessary procedures were completed, and Ildirim was issued a new passport, restoring his legal status and access to state assistance.

The episode highlighted how rigid administrative requirements can fail to account for extreme circumstances, even when those affected are wounded servicemen.

Recovery Beyond Survival

Despite such setbacks, advances in Russian medical and rehabilitation technologies continue to allow many severely injured veterans to reclaim active lives. In one recent example, six former SVO soldiers using leg prosthetics successfully climbed Mount Elbrus.

Participants described the ascent not only as a physical challenge but as a powerful motivational experience, demonstrating that recovery after severe trauma is possible when institutional support functions as intended.