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Video length: 3 min
War in Ukraine: wives of Russian soldiers victims of mistreatment
War in Ukraine: wives of Russian soldiers victims of mistreatment
(Franceinfo)
When they return from the front, Russian soldiers are said to behave particularly violently towards their wives. A behavior which would develop in particular due to a feeling of omnipotence and a lack of psychological monitoring.
A few days of leave in Moscow for a soldier who reunites with his wife. But sometimes reunions aren’t romantic. This is the less visible side of the consequences of the war in Ukraine, or the special military operation, as called in Russia and glorified through an exhibition in the capital. There we discover the portraits of those who left to fight. Behind these drawings hide men who are often violent upon their return from the front. Nadejda, who has no other choice but to remain anonymous, testifies to the abuse she suffered: “I’m afraid he’ll jump on me every time I go somewhere. I always feel like he’s walking around with a knife.”.
“Women are afraid”
A rare testimony in Russia. Nadejda also explains that after seven months of war, her husband considers himself untouchable because of his status, a war hero, as decreed by Vladimir Putin. “Men have become more aggressive after handling weapons. They feel power and impunity. (…) Women are afraid”, she continues. According to NGOs, there are more and more cases reported. War trauma would explain this increase, such as the lack of psychological support for soldiers returning from the front.
