How drugs and alcohol have fuelled soldiers for centuries
Russians in Ukraine seem to rely on copious amounts of liquor and, in some cases, hard drugs
UKRAINIAN FORCES have often attributed the poor performance of Russian soldiers since the invasion last year to drunkenness. Armies reflect their societies and alcoholism caused by excessive vodka consumption has long been a reason for the chronically low life expectancy of Russian men (about 64). But there is nothing unusual about soldiers hitting the booze—or even something stronger. Since ancient times, when Greek hoplites and Roman legionaries went into battle fuelled by wine, alcohol has been both the soldier’s best friend and sometimes his mortal enemy.
From the June 10th 2023 edition
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