“It’s best to avoid traveling by train”: Women in Russia’s Belgorod Region face violence from soldiers Svetlana, a resident of Shebekino, was brutally attacked and strangled by Alexei Kostrikin, a convicted repeat offender recruited to fight in the war. Kostrikin later committed murder and rape in another village, with evidence linking him to both crimes. This incident is one of many highlighting a rise in crimes committed by servicemen in Russia’s border regions, including sexual assault and harassment, as concerns grow over the recruitment of criminals and a perceived culture of impunity.

• Svetlana was attacked by Alexei Kostrikin, a repeat offender recruited for the war, who strangled her and threatened her with a weapon.
• Kostrikin later murdered a man and raped his wife in a nearby village, with ballistics linking him to both crimes.
• Residents are concerned about how individuals with criminal pasts are allowed to freely move with weapons, and question military police oversight.
• There has been a notable increase in rape and other sexual offense cases in Russia between 2022 and 2024 compared to pre-war years.
• Several cases are detailed involving soldiers accused of sexual assault, including against a minor, and a contract soldier sentenced for sexually abusing his stepdaughter.
• The recruitment of prisoners to fight in the war is seen as a way to avoid criminal punishment, leading to a rise in suspended legal cases.
• Women in the Belgorod Region fear traveling by train due to aggressive behavior and harassment from servicemen.
• A case is mentioned where a man killed a serviceman who was harassing his partner.
• The article suggests a perception of impunity for soldiers, with civilians hesitant to confront them due to their perceived connection to violence and the belief that the state will side with the military.