A man in Kyiv has been accused of fraud after pretending to be in love with a widow of a fallen soldier, ultimately swindling her out of 350,000 UAH under the pretext of needing money to avoid military service. According to the local prosecutor's office, the 37-year-old suspect formed a relationship with a 43-year-old woman who was receiving government assistance for her deceased husband.
In August 2024, after several months of dating, he claimed he would be mobilized and might die like her late husband. To "secure his release," he convinced her to give him 220,000 UAH. When he later asked for more funds and was refused, he resorted to threats and physical intimidation, forcing her to hand over another 130,000 UAH.

If convicted, he faces up to 12 years in prison along with asset confiscation.