The image of a devoted woman waiting for her husband at war is deeply embedded and romanticized in Russian culture, from Soviet-era songs like “Katyusha” to war films that depict the suffering and patience of soldiers' wives.
While in past wars women anxiously awaited letters, today they wait for video calls and WhatsApp messages from husbands fighting in Ukraine. Some do so with pride, others with fear — and many with a mix of emotions they can barely articulate.
Today, this narrative of devoted wives and partners waiting for their loved ones to return home is reinforced by pro-government media and social media, which encourage women to support their husbands unquestioningly. But behind these polished images lies a complex reality.
Three women spoke to The Moscow Times about their experiences as wives of contract soldiers serving in Ukraine. Each of them, who spoke on condition of anonymity, maintains an Instagram blog where they share their thoughts and emotions with thousands of followers.
Their diverse per...
[Short citation of 8% of the original article]