Online Vigilantes: The Rise of Blacklist Targeting Women Accused of Marrying Russian Soldiers for Financial Gain

The dark aspects of romance. «We will discuss, denounce, and bring infamy upon those who entice for financial gain,» previously stated the now-altered description of the Blacklist SVO group on the social networking site VKontakte.

Established this month, the group shares stories of women purportedly marrying Russian soldiers for monetary advantages or swindling them out of funds.

After over three years of large-scale conflict in Ukraine, Russian soldiers—who receive substantial salaries and benefits—have become attractive partners for some financially struggling women. While married to a soldier, a woman may secretly take out loans in his name, misappropriate his vehicle, and, if he dies in combat, receive a government compensation of 5 million rubles (around $63,111).

Women suspected of marrying soldiers for financial reasons rather than love now face growing hostility and backlash online.

The inception of Blacklist SVO stemmed from discussions on the popular VKontakte page Overheard at the SVO, where a user named Olesya cautioned soldiers about the transactional motives of some Russian women.

«Let’s create a list of gold diggers caught red-handed. Include photos and their details. It would be really helpful. I already have a candidate in mind,» commented another follower, Valentina.

Her post, which garnered numerous likes, prompted others to express support for the initiative, encouraging transparency to prevent soldiers from falling victim.

The group has attracted around 100 members so far, and its audience continues to grow. It exemplifies the escalating cyberbullying targeting women within pro-war online communities.

In April, pro-war influencer Anastasia Kashevarova made headlines for publicly advocating against the 21-year-old widow of Russian soldier Georgy Kostyrko, whom she accused of being part of an escort agency and of marrying the soldier purely for financial motives.

«The state should not provide blood-stained funds to those who exploit its heroes. This undermines both the military and the dignity of Russian women,» Kashevarova expressed on her Telegram channel, which boasts nearly 250,000 subscribers.

During times of war, traditional gender roles often become more rigid and dichotomous, Natalia Baranova, a journalist and fellow at the Center for Women, Peace, and Security at the London School of Economics, told The Moscow Times.

«A man is expected to be the protector, and a woman is obligated to support him in all matters. This norm is rooted in gender-based violence and discrimination. Such beliefs allow for the justification of war and perpetuate a militaristic narrative where state interests take precedence over individual concerns,» she remarked.

Dasha Manzhura, a gender researcher, suggested that the motivations behind this online harassment may be linked to prevalent gender norms in Russia.

«Any deviation from socially accepted gender roles is perceived as a threat to the collective identity of women, prompting aggressive responses,» she explained. «Their actions are fueled by a need to defend their own beliefs and a fear that their perspective is being challenged.»

«The primary objective of such online harassment is to intimidate women and publicly assert their place during wartime. This is not a demonstration of women’s solidarity,» Baranova emphasized. «True solidarity would involve recognizing shared struggles—encompassing poverty and inequality, alongside the instability and insecurity women endure.»

Some women targeted by these campaigns have even been coerced into making public apologies.

In April, authorities in the Tomsk region released footage of a real estate agent expressing regret after she humorously suggested that women should use compensation funds for fallen soldiers to purchase apartments.

«It has turned out very poorly. I sincerely apologize,» said Marina Orlova in her statement.

Subsequently, a local court sentenced Orlova and the blogger who interviewed her to 80 hours of community service, convicting them of fostering hatred and degrading human dignity.

Local journalists have also produced reports focused specifically on ‘predatory’ women.

On a regional television station in Nizhny Novgorod, reporters featured a segment about a soldier named Mikhail, who transferred 900,000 rubles ($11,300) to his ex-wife Yekaterina.

The couple married shortly after Mikhail returned on leave from the conflict in Ukraine. He stated that he believed he had fallen victim to a scam.

«After the last [money] transfer, she stopped responding to my messages and blocked me on social media,» he recounted, donning a camouflage face covering. Mikhail shared that his intentions to provide financial support were driven by a desire to start a family.

«It pains me that we are defending the homeland, the people, the elderly, women—and yet at home, there are individuals like this who simply take a soldier’s money and vanish,» Mikhail added, asserting his plan to pursue legal action against his former wife.

In online dating forums, many soldiers now explicitly express their desire for «genuine» love.

«I’m weary of grasping, materialistic women. All I want is a simple family life,» stated Ilya, a soldier currently deployed in Ukraine. He included an image of himself in uniform, pointing out his self-consciousness about a wound scar.

«It’s wonderful to read… Every word embodies masculinity,» commented a user named Anzhelika beneath his post. Others chimed in, saying that «scars enhance a man’s appeal» as they try to connect.

In some instances, women emphasize they are not seeking financial gain from soldiers.

«I’m independent, self-sufficient, not materialistic, sociable, cheerful, and have a good sense of humor,» wrote a 27-year-old single woman from St. Petersburg.

Moderators in military dating platforms often caution men against sending money to women, citing an increase in opportunistic behaviors. Discussions about who should cover expenses for dates frequently spark disagreements.

In these debates, soldiers are often portrayed as «naive and trustworthy individuals» who are easily misled.

«It’s fortunate that [Russia] is considering tightening the laws because of you greedy women. Go serve instead of chasing after cash,» lamented a commenter in the Overheard at the SVO group.

In May, lawmakers in the lower house of the State Duma proposed legislation to prevent the division of military benefits in divorce cases for marriages that occurred after February 24, 2022.

Under this proposal, such compensations would be treated as the soldier’s personal assets. Officials claim the aim is to deter women from «misusing marriage and family law.»

«Those who defy the traditional representation of women by marrying for selfish motives present a threat to the established gender order,» noted gender researcher Manzhura. «Thus, they become targets of not only other women but also anyone whose beliefs they challenge.»