Sybiha: Russia uses sexual violence, rape as weapon of war
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Russian troops have committed nearly 900 documented cases of sexual violence against Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha has stated.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has revealed that Russian forces have committed over 800 instances of sexual violence against Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war since the start of the ongoing invasion. This disturbing information is detailed in a recent United Nations report. Among the victims are 16 children, with the youngest being just four years old. Sybiha emphasized that these heinous acts are merely the tip of the iceberg, as many cases remain unreported due to victims' fear of shame and stigma.
Sybiha stated on social media platform X, "Sexual violence and rape are being employed as weapons of war by Russia." He highlighted that Russia has persistently ignored appeals from international bodies to prevent, investigate, and prosecute such atrocities committed by its military personnel and FSB officers. This inaction only reinforces the necessity of including Russia's armed forces on the UN Secretary-General's list of shame.
The minister firmly believes that these war crimes demand a more resolute response and the identification and prosecution of the perpetrators.
Written by urgent.news from Interfax-Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
