UN condemns 'shocking pattern' of sexual violence by Russian troops in Ukraine

The United Nations has denounced a disturbing surge in sexual violence perpetrated by Russian forces during their invasion of Ukraine since February 2022. A report released by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights reveals over 1,000 documented cases, with victims ranging in age from four to 82. I am deeply alarmed by the prevalence of such abhorrent acts, stated Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The majority of perpetrators are Russian troops, accounting for 89% of the 1,004 cases included. While a majority of victims are male, particularly those detained, women and children have suffered the most severe consequences in occupied Ukrainian territory. Crimes against Ukrainian prisoners of war and medical workers include gang rape, genital mutilation, and other acts of sexual humiliation, with the most common method being the use of a Soviet-era military field telephone to deliver electric shocks to the genitals in 27% of cases.

Testimonies from survivors reveal Ukrainian prisoners of war being assaulted with objects like batons and shovel handles, and a woman in Zaporizhzhia being raped multiple times a week by a Russian soldier who promised better treatment for her detained husband. Both Ukrainian and Russian forces have been implicated, though the Russian Federation must take immediate action to protect civilians and prisoners of war from all forms of torture, given the high prevalence of cases attributed to Russian forces.

The UN has added Russia to its list of parties credibly suspected of sexual violence in conflict, rejecting the Kremlin's claim that the findings are politically motivated.