Why Ukraine's troops are facing an amputation crisis

An episode of the Iran: The Latest podcast, hosted by The Telegraph, titled "Why Ukraine's troops are facing an amputation crisis" was published on November 5, 2025 and runs 23 minutes.

November 5, 2025 ·23m · Iran: The Latest

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Summary

In Ukraine, tens of thousands of soldiers have returned from the frontlines without limbs. Most of them will require support in some form for the rest of their lives. But not all of those amputations are purely the result of direct hits on the battlefield. Ukraine’s Chief Military Surgeon has said the improper use of tourniquets could be responsible for as many as one in four lost limbs. Have medics become too reliant on the tourniquet? And what does this enormous burden of injury mean for Ukraine in the long term?To find out, Arthur and Venetia are joined by two former military medics, Captain Rom Stevens and Eddie Chanoler. Did you know, you can watch this podcast? Just click here to watch on on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YWbRNvfZhFsProducer: Sophie O'SullivanExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsStudio Operator: Meghan SearleRead more about this issue:‘Cult’ of tourniquets causing thousands of unnecessary amputations and deaths in Ukraine, say surgeonsHow Ukraine rehabilitates its war wounded will define it as a nation► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorPicture credit: Jose Colon/Anadolu via Getty Imageshttps://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:[email protected] @venetiarainey@ascottgeddes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Description

In Ukraine, tens of thousands of soldiers have returned from the frontlines without limbs. Most of them will require support in some form for the rest of their lives.

But not all of those amputations are purely the result of direct hits on the battlefield. Ukraine’s Chief Military Surgeon has said the improper use of tourniquets could be responsible for as many as one in four lost limbs.

Have medics become too reliant on the tourniquet? And what does this enormous burden of injury mean for Ukraine in the long term?

To find out, Arthur and Venetia are joined by two former military medics, Captain Rom Stevens and Eddie Chanoler.

Did you know, you can watch this podcast? Just click here to watch on on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YWbRNvfZhFs

Producer: Sophie O'Sullivan

Executive Producer: Louisa Wells

Studio Operator: Meghan Searle