What Happens When a Village Loses Its Men to War?

The fishing village of Sedanka in Russia's Far East is grappling with severe challenges as nearly all its men aged 18 to 55 have left to fight in the Ukraine war. This drastic demographic shift has left the community, which already faced harsh living conditions, in a precarious situation, with many families losing loved ones and struggling to maintain their livelihoods.

Last updated: 06 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

In Sedanka, life has become increasingly difficult as the majority of the male population has been conscripted into the armed forces to support Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine. The village, located near the Sea of Okhotsk, is isolated for much of the year, accessible only by river boat during the warmer months and by snowmobile or helicopter in winter. With the local men away at war, basic tasks such as chopping firewood and maintaining homes have fallen to the women and elderly, creating a sense of despair among the residents. The community is not only grappling with loss but also facing the harsh realities of survival in a remote and economically depressed area.

Key takeaways

Sedanka has lost nearly all its men aged 18 to 55 to the war in Ukraine, with significant impacts on daily life.
The village is experiencing severe shortages of manpower for essential tasks due to the absence of its male population.
Confirmed losses among Sedanka's men include 12 dead and seven missing, highlighting the human cost of the conflict.

Timeline: how we got here

The situation in Sedanka has developed rapidly since the onset of the war in Ukraine. Here’s a brief timeline:

24 February 2022: Russia launches a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, leading to widespread mobilisation.
Summer 2024: Many men from Sedanka, including local hunters and fishermen, sign contracts with the military.
November 2024: Vladimir Akeev, a local man who joined the army, is reported killed in combat.
March 2024: Local women express their concerns to the regional governor, highlighting the absence of men in the village.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent reports have confirmed the ongoing demographic crisis in Sedanka due to war-related losses, with estimates suggesting that 39 men from the village have enlisted in the military. The death toll is particularly high, with 12 confirmed deaths and seven individuals missing.

What was already established

Prior reports have indicated that rural areas in Russia, including indigenous communities, are overrepresented in military casualties. Analyses have shown that economic conditions and limited opportunities drive many to enlist in the military, exacerbating the impact of the conflict on these communities.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While Sedanka's issues may not directly affect UK households, the humanitarian implications of the conflict resonate globally. The ongoing war has led to increased tensions and economic instability, which can indirectly influence energy prices and supply chains in the UK.

Businesses and jobs

The war has disrupted local economies in regions like Sedanka, leading to a lack of workforce participation. This reality exemplifies the broader economic ramifications of the conflict, which may also affect UK businesses involved in international trade and supply chains.

Policy and regulation

The UK government has been monitoring the situation in Ukraine closely. As the war escalates, there may be calls for increased support for refugees and humanitarian aid, which could influence UK foreign policy and funding allocations.

Numbers that matter

258: Total population of Sedanka, highlighting the community's small size and vulnerability.
39: Number of men from Sedanka who enlisted in the military.
12: Confirmed deaths of local men in the conflict.
80,000: Estimated total Russian military deaths in 2025, which would make it the deadliest year since the war's inception.
67%: Percentage of military casualties from rural areas and small towns in Russia.

Definitions and jargon buster

Special military operation: A term used by the Kremlin to describe its military actions in Ukraine.
Indigenous groups: Ethnic communities that are the original inhabitants of a specific region, often with distinct cultural identities.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, Sedanka's residents will likely continue facing significant hardships due to the absence of men. The emotional toll of losing family members will also weigh heavily on the community.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As winter approaches, the lack of manpower for essential tasks like heating and food preparation will be critical. The regional government’s promised support may not materialise, further complicating survival efforts.

Signals to watch

Government announcements regarding support for families of soldiers.
Reports on the number of Russian military casualties and how they affect rural communities.
Local initiatives aimed at improving living conditions in Sedanka.

Practical guidance

Do

Monitor credible news sources for updates on the situation in Sedanka and similar communities.
Support humanitarian organisations that provide aid to war-affected areas.

Don’t

Don’t overlook the human cost of the war, particularly in rural and indigenous communities.
Don’t assume that government promises for support will be fulfilled without ongoing scrutiny.

Checklist

Stay informed about the ongoing conflict and its repercussions.
Consider ways to assist affected populations, either through donations or advocacy.
Engage with community discussions about the impact of the war.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The situation in Sedanka is evolving, with many uncertainties surrounding the war’s trajectory and its impact on rural communities. The numbers of casualties reported are estimates, and the true toll of the conflict may be significantly higher. Additionally, the local government's ability to provide promised support remains in question.

Bottom line

As Sedanka endures the consequences of the war in Ukraine, the village's struggles highlight the broader human cost of conflict. With most of its men away, the community faces a harsh winter ahead, compounded by loss and economic hardship. The situation calls for increased attention and support from both local and international actors to address the dire needs of these vulnerable populations.

FAQs

What is the current situation in Sedanka regarding men joining the war?

Nearly all men aged 18 to 55 in Sedanka have joined the military to fight in Ukraine, leaving the village to face significant challenges in daily life.

How many soldiers from Sedanka have died in the war?

So far, 12 men from Sedanka have been confirmed killed in action, with seven others reported missing.

What support has the Russian government promised Sedanka?

The regional government has pledged a support programme for families of soldiers and the honorary title of "village of military valour," but much of this support has yet to materialise.