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A growing number of cases in Russia have raised alarm over so-called “black widows” — women accused of marrying military recruits shortly before deployment to claim death compensation if they are killed in the Ukraine war.
Maria, a 37-year-old resident of St Petersburg, said she was shocked to learn that her 59-year-old father had secretly enlisted and married just two days before being sent to the front. After his death, his new wife — a woman Maria had never met — became his legal next of kin, entitling her to a state payout.
“I immediately suspected it was a scam,” Maria said, describing the incident as both devastating and confusing.
Under Russian policy, families of soldiers killed in combat can receive compensation starting from 5 million rubles (about $64,000). The payments were designed to reassure recruits that their loved ones would be supported, but critics say the system is increasingly being exploited.
Russian officials and media have highlighted multiple cases in recent months involving alleged sham marriages, including reports of recruits being persuaded to wed shortly before deployment — or even on their deathbeds.
In one widely reported case, a nurse was dismissed after being accused of marrying several wounded soldiers in her care before they died, allegedly to claim their benefits.
The issue has sparked public outrage, with lawmakers such as Leonid Slutsky calling for stronger protection for military families against fraud and exploitation.
The phenomenon has also been linked to broader wartime pressures. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, authorities have encouraged quick marriages among recruits, simplifying procedures and even promoting mass wedding events.
However, critics say these policies may have unintentionally created opportunities for abuse, particularly as economic hardship deepens and the human cost of the war continues to rise.
Courts have intervened in some disputes over compensation rights, occasionally overturning next-of-kin status in contested cases. Still, concerns persist over organised schemes — including allegations that some officials may have been complicit in arranging such marriages.
For families like Maria’s, the consequences are deeply personal. She says she has lost not only her father but also any claim to his property, leaving her with little more than memories.
“There is nothing left,” she said. “Not even something to remember him by.”