Russia’s ‘black widows’ are marrying soldiers to get their death payouts

When a Russian soldier is killed, his family is given a lump sum (Picture: AFP)

As the war in Ukraine rages on, in Russia, some women are marrying soldiers before they head to die – in hopes of getting a large payout.

But the practice is facing scrutiny in a country where the government has openly encouraged citizens to get married for ‘family values’.

When a Russian soldier is killed, the military offers a sum beginning at 5,000,000 rubles – or around £45,000.

The benefit – meant ...