March 22, 2023

Masha, The War Criminal


Masha, The War Criminal
Maria Lvova-Belova (center), wanted for the abduction of children in Ukraine by the Hague, stands in a forest surrounded by her children and her priest husband. Krogel Maciej, Twitter.

A recent arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) targetted not just President Vladimir Putin, but also Maria "Masha" Lvova-Belova, the Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights. As with Putin, the 38-year-old was indicted by the ICC for her role in deporting children from Ukraine, which is a violation of international law and an act of genocide. 

But who is she?

Lvova-Belova was originally a guitar teacher in schools in her native Penza. At 19, she married programmer-turned-priest Pavel Kogelman in order to have a large family. According to Lvova-Belova, she would not go on more than one date with a man who wanted less than three children.

She then became involved in NGOs helping orphans and opened rehabilitation centers for persons with disabilities. During that time, she began adopting multiple children while birthing five of her own. She and her husband currently have 22 children. Her philanthropic endeavors caught the attention — and money — of the Orthodox Church, the state, oligarchs like Roman Abramovich, and, more importantly, Putin. However, as her political fame grew, reports emerged that people staying in her facilities with severe disabilities were hidden from authorities and some even died due to a lack of proper care.

In March 2022, "Masha" made it clear that Ukrainian orphans would be — illegally, it should be noted — sent to Russia. Children from Donetsk and Luhansk were the first victims of the deportation, which later was extended to all occupied regions. Ukrainian kids and teenagers have been relocated and forcibly adopted by Russian families. Lvova-Belova herself appropriated a teenager from Mariupol, 15-year-old Fillip.

Lvova-Belova has personally accompanied the abductions, and Putin has forcibly imposed Russian citizenship on the victims. Lvova-Belova has also received deported children dressed in Russian folk costumes and insisted: "We receive you like this because now you are ours."

The Ukrainian government website Children of War estimates that over 16,000 children have been abducted into Russia. Only 307 have been returned.

You Might Also Like

Forced Integration, Continued
  • July 17, 2022

Forced Integration, Continued

Russia's streamlined passport process, offered to residents of Kherson and Zaporizhia, has been expanded to include all Ukrainian citizens. 
An Imposed Russian Birthright
  • June 20, 2022

An Imposed Russian Birthright

Children born in the Ukrainian city of Kherson will now receive Russian citizenship, whether they want it or not.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

White Magic
June 01, 2021

White Magic

The thirteen tales in this volume – all written by Russian émigrés, writers who fled their native country in the early twentieth century – contain a fair dose of magic and mysticism, of terror and the supernatural. There are Petersburg revenants, grief-stricken avengers, Lithuanian vampires, flying skeletons, murders and duels, and even a ghostly Edgar Allen Poe.

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka
November 01, 2012

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

In this comprehensive, quixotic and addictive book, Edwin Trommelen explores all facets of the Russian obsession with vodka. Peering chiefly through the lenses of history and literature, Trommelen offers up an appropriately complex, rich and bittersweet portrait, based on great respect for Russian culture.

A Taste of Russia
November 01, 2012

A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

The Latchkey Murders
July 01, 2015

The Latchkey Murders

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin is back on the case in this prequel to the popular mystery Murder at the Dacha, in which a serial killer is on the loose in Khrushchev’s Moscow...

Faith & Humor
December 01, 2011

Faith & Humor

A book that dares to explore the humanity of priests and pilgrims, saints and sinners, Faith & Humor has been both a runaway bestseller in Russia and the focus of heated controversy – as often happens when a thoughtful writer takes on sacred cows. The stories, aphorisms, anecdotes, dialogues and adventures in this volume comprise an encyclopedia of modern Russian Orthodoxy, and thereby of Russian life.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

The Little Humpbacked Horse
November 03, 2014

The Little Humpbacked Horse

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

Woe From Wit (bilingual)
June 20, 2017

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

Little Golden Calf
February 01, 2010

Little Golden Calf

Our edition of The Little Golden Calf, one of the greatest Russian satires ever, is the first new translation of this classic novel in nearly fifty years. It is also the first unabridged, uncensored English translation ever, and is 100% true to the original 1931 serial publication in the Russian journal 30 Dnei. Anne O. Fisher’s translation is copiously annotated, and includes an introduction by Alexandra Ilf, the daughter of one of the book’s two co-authors.

Fish
February 01, 2010

Fish

This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.

About Us

Russian Life is the 31-year-old publication of an award-winning publishing house that also creates books, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955