Russian women have been issued a stark warning about the potential for returning soldiers to exhibit sexual sadism and violent tendencies, as outlined in a training manual for military wives.
The manual underscores the significant psychological changes that soldiers may undergo while serving on the frontlines.
The guide states, "Changes may manifest themselves in temporary intolerance to touch and decreased sexual desire. However, they can also be expressed in increased sexual arousal, the need for frequent sexual acts, and a predisposition to aggressive forms of sex."
The manual advises women to allow their traumatized husbands time to "thaw out" after returning from the deadly frontlines in Ukraine, where hundreds of thousands have lost their lives. The guide, issued by the All-Russian People's Front, a pro-war organization established by Putin in 2011, advises, "Men must get used to the fact that the danger has passed and there will be no stab in the back."
The guide further instructs women to approach their husbands gently, speaking in a quiet voice before touching them. It emphasizes the importance of physical affection, stating, "If he doesn't mind, hug him more often. He needs to make it clear that he can come to you at any time."
The manual advises against pressuring returning soldiers to discuss their war experiences or expressing disappointment if they return disabled. It also warns against comparing them to other men who may be adjusting more readily to civilian life.
The guide explains, "It often happens that the husband, upon returning, withdraws and does not say anything. In this case, you need to try to make him want to speak [by saying] 'Your experience is very important. And you can share it when you see fit'."
Women are urged to support their husbands, even if they exhibit unusual behaviors such as installing bars on their windows or sleeping in their clothes. The guide explains, "It is important for yourself to understand that behind this lies the need for security, which was lost during the fighting."
The manual also highlights the potential need for professional psychological help, stating, "Tell your husband that PTSD is a normal reaction of the body after a special military operation, and professional help can help deal with it. Try to explain that PTSD is not a weakness or failure, but a common reaction to stress and trauma, and it is important to get help to maintain his well-being."
However, the manual has drawn criticism from human rights campaigner Alena Popova, who argues that Russian women are being expected to bear the burden of the chaos wrought by Putin's war. She said, "In essence, women are told to 'suck it up, you have to be there no matter what he does'. There is no doubt PTSD is 'real' and war is 'scary'. It destroys and destroys the psyche of any person."
Popova further criticized the manual for suggesting that women should be 'proud' and support their men 'even if he uses violence'. She said, "The families that he and his system destroyednow apparently have to say thank you for it. And women, in their opinion, must endure and obey. But women will not tolerate this in silence. And their voices are getting louder."
Reports of violence committed by returning soldiers, including murders, rapes, and beatings, have been on the rise. Some of these soldiers were convicts who were released and pardoned by Putin for their service in Ukraine. Putin has referred to these fighters as the 'new elite'.
Sexual violence has been a recurring issue among returning soldiers, with the Russian army accused of using rape as a weapon of war in Ukraine.
Notably, former Wagner mercenary, Sergei Shakhmarov, 42, who fought for Putin in Ukraine, was convicted of raping two schoolgirls and sentenced to 17 years in a maximum security penal colony. Another returnee, Yury Gavrilov, 33, is accused of luring an 11-year-old girl to his flat and committing acts of rape and torture.
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