Russian Soldier Accused of Murder and Rape Escapes Custody in Belgorod

A Russian soldier accused of breaking into a home, murdering a man, and raping his wife has escaped from custody in Russia's Belgorod region, prompting a regional manhunt. The incident has drawn attention to crimes allegedly committed by military personnel in regions bordering Ukraine.
The suspect, identified as Private Alexei Kostrikin, escaped from a police station in Belgorod late on October 31, according to Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov. Kostrikin had been detained just two days earlier in connection with a violent home invasion in the village of Novaya Tavolzhanka on the night of October 29.
According to investigators, Kostrikin broke into a private residence, killed the 56-year-old homeowner, and raped the man's wife, who is a local school teacher. He was apprehended shortly after the crime but managed to flee from a police facility.
Some local reports suggest that Kostrikin may not have acted alone and that other soldiers were involved in the murder and assault, though no other arrests have been officially announced. Prior to his military service, Kostrikin had a criminal record that included convictions for theft and robbery. Authorities have issued an alert for the escaped soldier.