In 2025, the Belgorod region of Russia reported an unprecedented number of 199 cases of rape, the most in the country and three times higher than the previous year. This significant rise, observed by the independent portal Verstka, marks the highest recorded figure in the region since 2008. The data comes from Russia's Department of Internal Affairs and suggests fluctuations in reported rape cases, with a sharp spike observed in 2022-2023, a drop in 2024, and another surge in 2025.

The independent news outlet Verstka proposed a possible correlation between this dramatic increase in reported rapes and the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Human rights lawyer Mari Davtjan commented that the rise appears to be linked to "external circumstances," although she cautioned that the available data is insufficient to draw definitive conclusions. Davtjan emphasized the need for further investigation to understand the underlying causes of this disturbing trend, while acknowledging the complexities surrounding the statistics.

This alarming increase in reported rapes in Belgorod raises important questions about the social and psychological impacts of war on communities. With the ongoing conflict, there may be heightened tensions and pressures that contribute to violent behaviors. As discussions continue about the implications of the war on local populations, this data serves as a critical indicator of the disruptions caused by the conflict and the necessity for targeted interventions to support affected communities.