As the war in Ukraine continues, a disturbing money-making scheme is emerging in Russia, with women reportedly marrying soldiers shortly before they head to the battlefield in the hope of collecting compensation if they are killed.

The alleged scammers, dubbed “black widows”, are exploiting military death payments intended to support the families left behind. The practice has raised uncomfortable questions about the financial incentives surrounding Russia’s war.

‘Coffin Money’ Turns Death Into a Payday

Russian military compensation for a soldier killed in the war starts at around five million roubles — roughly £45,000. That sum can transform the finances of families in poorer parts of the country, creating a powerful incentive for exploitation.

One woman working at a military hospital was reportedly fired after marrying five soldiers who later died from their injuries, allegedly allowing her to claim payments repeatedly.

The Kremlin has also spoken out against the practice, as authorities seek to maintain the image of a patriotic war supported by Russian society.

Experts Warn the Incentives Are Powerful

Keir Giles, a Russia expert at Chatham House, said the financial rewards were “life-changing”, while describing the death compensation as “coffin money”.

He said some women involved in the practice were reportedly already on their third soldier, highlighting the potential profitability of exploiting the system.

Giles also argued that Russian society may be more accepting of sending people to die for the country than many Western societies would be, while warning that the Kremlin has worked hard to conceal the true scale of Russian losses.

War Sold as a Route to Wealth and Status

Dr Ian Garner, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Totalitarian Studies at the Pilecki Institute, said money was only part of the wider picture.

He argued that the state presents the war as a route to becoming richer, more powerful and respected — while simultaneously offering the status of a patriot and hero.

A Grim Incentive Behind the Propaganda

For some Russians, Garner said, death payments represent a rare opportunity to transform their lives financially. The Kremlin’s messaging therefore combines patriotism and heroism with the promise of material rewards.

That creates a grim contradiction at the heart of Russia’s war effort: while officials promote sacrifice for the Motherland, the money attached to that sacrifice can itself become a target for exploitation.

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

One more time, it shows many woman are money driven. On the other hand, why gifting money the government has to pay. Maybe it's even life saving for married soldiers. Because it's cheaper when single guys stay in front of an attack and get shot dead. That would be a very Vlad move.