Ukraine

It's to portray Russian soldier as people who doesn't even respect 80 year olds. Similar to when someone kills an 80 year old to steal a bag when all they have to do is take it. The killing is completely unnecessary and shows cruelty. And same thing here, the article is designed to show how cruel Russian soldiers are who doesnt even leave 80 year olds alone.

That's my interpretation.

Otherwise yes, of course young women are raped much more then 80 year old wimen. That's why it's considered extra cruel, and that's why they are pointing it out.

It reinforces that the rapes are done for the terror factor of victims beyond those that are raped and not because the soldiers are horny or whatever other stupid excuse.

I think almost any crime against the elderly or children is generally viewed as worse, with good reason. They're generally more helpless and less able to fight back/run away.

I also find that odd. It makes it almost seem as if raping elderly women is something that requires extra mention. So that nobody assumes that we are talking about the "normal", "understandable" rape of younger women. It's seriously fucked up.