Russian sex workers are increasingly relocating to occupied territories in Ukraine, attracted by potential earnings of as much as RUB1.5mn ($14,000) per week from servicing soldiers.

This trend, reported by the independent Russian-language media outlet Verstka, has been driven by the relatively high disposable incomes of Russian soldiers, which has spurred a migration of sex workers to these regions. Workers disclosed to Verstka that they charge about RUB15,000 ($145) per hour – roughly equivalent to an average weekly wage in Russia. For the most active among them, annual earnings can surpass $100,000.

Initially hesitant due to safety concerns, sex workers began arriving in late 2022, lured by reports of substantial earnings and a sense of security in cities such as Donetsk, Luhansk, Mariupol and Melitopol. Many travel in groups, navigating military checkpoints and border restrictions under the pretext of visiting friends or relatives. Initially, many of the women travelling to the occupied areas were brought by pimps, who set up apartments with surveillance cameras and 24/7 security. By 2024, their numbers had grown into the hundreds, with many operating independently from rented flats or makeshift brothels.

The clientele consists almost entirely of Russian soldiers, whose military pay significantly outstrips civilian earnings in both Russia and occupied Ukraine. Bonuses for enlisting can exceed RUB3mn ($29,900), accompanied by generous monthly wages, leaving many soldiers with substantial disposable incomes and limited spending options. Payments are typically made in cash, often withdrawn from state-run Promsvyazbank ATMs, and sometimes come from soldiers’ large  injury compensation payment.

Speaking to Verstka, sex workers reported meeting up to 10 clients daily, often including overnight appointments. While traditional services dominate, some interactions involve soldiers seeking emotional support, paying to share their struggles and traumas from the war. Workers recount stories of soldiers grappling with guilt over fallen comrades, family estrangement and dissatisfaction with the war effort.

Despite the high earnings, the work is fraught with dangers. Violence, harassment and exploitation are widespread, especially for women coerced into unsafe conditions near frontline positions or remote military outposts. Many workers resort to carrying weapons or partnering with others to enhance safety.

The demand for specialised services, including BDSM and domination, has also reportedly risen, attributed to substance use or psychological stress among soldiers, sex workers told Verstka.