Russian State Duma considers posthumous marriages for war widows amid Ukraine conflict
Contrary to what its leaders had hoped, the "second most powerful army in the world" did not succeed in Ukraine, mainly due to the underestimated resolve of the Ukrainian forces. As reported by the General Staff of Ukraine on February 6, 2024, approximately 390,580 Russian soldiers have lost their lives. However, casualties at the front are merely one part of the problem.
Feb 6, 2024 | updated: 4:07 AM EST, March 7, 2024
Inside Russia, the government is facing difficult questions from the wives of soldiers who have been sent to the front. These women, wives and widows of Russian soldiers alike, seem to be more afraid for their own fate than for their husbands.
To alleviate these fears, someone within the Kremlin has proposed a solution - ensuring a minimal level of societal support for the partners of fallen soldiers. A decree allowing marriages in which one of the spouses is deceased is currently under consideration.
The Russian State Duma is considering the legalization of posthumous marriages. According to the proposed law, women would be able to marry their partners who have died during the war, as we read from a post by NEXTA agency on the Twitter platform.
This concept of posthumous marriages isn't new. A similar law was enacted in France as early as 1803 – aimed at supporting the widows of war veterans.
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This practice was previously observed in Nazi Germany. Pregnant women were permitted to marry their deceased partners, a move designed to provide legal protection and benefits to expectant single mothers.
A notable example of this practice was the case of Franz Kutschera's Norwegian widow. Kutschera, a Nazi war criminal, died in Warsaw on February 1, 1944. His wedding took place posthumously, during his funeral, on February 4.
The concept of posthumous marriages has now emerged in Russia. However, the specifics of the proposed benefits for Russian women whose partners have died in Ukraine are yet to be made clear. Following the pattern of historical Russian 'generosity', it's likely that the Kremlin aims to use this proposal as a propaganda tool, showing the government's care for its widowed citizens.
It remains unclear whether a pension will be provided under this proposed law. Perhaps the "pension" will merely cover the funeral costs and the repatriation of the newlywed husband's body...
