Russia to Compensate 'Cohabitants' of Ukraine War Dead... "Cohabitants Recognized for One Year After Childbirth"

Controversy Over Compensation Only for Legal Spouses
Military Families Appeal During Putin's Inspection

The Russian parliament announced that it will amend the law to allow cohabitants in common-law relationships with soldiers who died or went missing in the Ukraine war to receive state compensation. Until now, only legally married couples who had registered their marriage were eligible for compensation, which had sparked controversy. This move is seen as a measure ahead of President Vladimir Putin's fifth presidential election vote scheduled for March.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

According to Russian news agency RIA Novosti on the 30th (local time), a partial amendment to the Civil Code was submitted to the State Duma by members of the Russian lower house, including Pavel Krasheynikov, to allow cohabitants of soldiers who died in the Ukraine war to receive state compensation.

The amendment centers on the provision that "cohabitants in common-law relationships with soldiers who participated in the 'special military operation in Ukraine' and died can be recognized as legal spouses through a special procedure." The amendment also applies retroactively to common-law relationships formed before the adoption of the amendment.

Andrey Turchak, a Russian senator who co-proposed the amendment, explained, "Women who have cohabited for at least three years without registering their marriage or who have given birth to children and cohabited for at least one year can have their marriage recognized by the court upon the death of their spouse who participated in the special military operation." He added, "After the court's decision, spouses in common-law relationships can receive inheritance and benefits as stipulated by law."

Until now, controversy had grown in Russia because only legally married couples who had registered their marriage were eligible for state compensation. Most soldiers conscripted for the Ukraine war came from underdeveloped regions far from central Russia, such as Siberia and the Far East, where many couples lived in common-law relationships without registering their marriage.

Some analysts interpret this as a popularity-boosting move ahead of the March election that will decide President Putin's fifth term. Recently, President Putin reportedly promised compensation after hearing appeals from the families of soldiers who died in the Ukraine war, including women in common-law relationships with deceased soldiers who had not received state compensation.