Russia tests munitions on humans

A Russian military medical research institute has been conducting tests of artillery munitions on humans, the investigative outlet Proekt reported.

According to the publication, the studies are carried out on volunteer servicemen and are aimed at determining shell characteristics needed “to eliminate or disable enemy personnel.”

Citing media reports and statements by institute head Sergei Chepura, Proekt said the State Research Institute of Military Medicine has, since 2015, been the only Russian Defence Ministry institution authorised to conduct research involving human participants.

The report said experimental sites simulating fortifications and military equipment were set up at a special testing range. During the trials, researchers monitored volunteers’ cardiovascular and nervous systems, collected samples and assessed how the impact on the body varied depending on the distance from which 122 mm and 300 mm artillery shells were fired.