Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has brought not only consequences on the battlefield, but also new social phenomena.
One of them is that of the so-called “black widows”, women who allegedly marry Russian soldiers shortly before they leave for the front, with the aim of receiving state compensation in the event of their death.
The phenomenon has caused strong reactions in Russia, as the soldiers’ families claim that they are being deprived of the financial benefits they are entitled to.
Under Russian law, if a soldier dies in war, his legal heir can receive compensation of 5 million rubles (about $64,000).
Russian authorities and state media claim that this scheme was exploited by people entering into sham marriages with soldiers, just days before their departure to Ukraine.
In recent months, several cases have been reported that have shocked public opinion.
Among them is the case of a nurse at a military hospital who was fired after being accused of marrying five wounded soldiers under her care before they died, with the aim of obtaining compensation.
After the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022, the Kremlin eased marriage procedures for conscripts being sent to the front, as part of policies to support families and promote “traditional values.”
However, according to reports, this policy has also created room for abuse.
The case also received attention in 2025, when a real estate agent in Siberia was filmed suggesting that women marry soldiers leaving for war, arguing that state compensation could enable them to buy a house.
After strong reactions, she and the host of the show where the statements were made were sentenced to community service and publicly apologized.
Meanwhile, Russian courts have examined several disputes between the families of killed soldiers and the women they married shortly before leaving for the front.
In some cases, judges have rejected the right to receive compensation, finding elements that raised suspicions of abuse.
There have also been allegations that in some cases members of the Russian armed forces have helped organize fake marriages and send soldiers on high-risk missions.
According to reports, Russian authorities have launched an investigation, but so far there has been no official update on their results.