February 23, 2026
A video was published online in which medics and soldiers from the 1st Separate Assault Regiment named after Dmitry Kotsyubaylo reported the use of narcotics by Russian troops. This is the first time the military has officially disclosed the discovered drug.
The video was posted on public platforms. In it, Ukrainian Armed Forces medics and the regiment’s assault troopers described in detail the drugs found on the enemy and their effects.
“Pervitin is one of the first amphetamines used by the Germans during World War II. It allows you to stay awake for days, and feelings of fear and pain disappear,” explained one of the doctors on camera.
What the fighters said
According to the military, Russian soldiers are using the drug Pervitin, which relieves fear, pain, and fatigue. Under its influence, they conduct assaults without responding to injuries. Medics say the drug is being found in large numbers during examinations of captured and liquidated occupiers.
A stormtrooper with the call sign “Kruk” noted in the video that this stimulant had previously been used by German soldiers to suppress fear and combat sleep. He also noted that Russians take Pervitin voluntarily.
Facts and consequences
Soldiers and medics from the 1st Separate Assault Regiment named after Dmitry Kotsyubaylo officially confirmed the discovery of the drug. During the liquidation of Russian units, Ukrainian troops repeatedly found ampoules of the stimulant, as well as syringes and pipettes.
“When you search everyone, you find syringes and pipettes,” the military said in a statement.
According to the defense, the effects of the drug are noticeable during so-called zombie assaults. Russian soldiers continue to advance even after being wounded. Ukrainian soldiers noted that such opponents can only be stopped with a well-aimed headshot.
OBOZ.UA previously reported on how Russian invaders actively use opioids to “improve” their psychological state. This indicates that many of the occupiers are only able to cope with the realities of war through drug use. This was revealed in a video intercept published by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
The side effects of using these drugs are not pleasant, neither for the individual nor for their unit. Users suffer from extreme exhaustion, heart failure, paranoia, and suicidal tendencies once the drug wears off. Indeed, I have countless drone videos from “Dead Russian” Telegram channel of roaches shooting themselves on the battlefield. One guy even missed his head the first time, shooting past his ear, re-aimed his rifle, and shot himself again.
I would not want to take such drugs, nor have comrades who do.
BTW, “by 1941, usage was restricted to a doctor’s prescription, and the military tightly controlled its distribution. Soldiers would only receive a couple of tablets at a time, and were discouraged from using them in combat.” Wiki.