A United Nations human rights report has documented widespread conflict-related sexual violence during the war in Ukraine, with most verified cases attributed to Russian personnel.
The report verified 1,004 cases between February 2022 and July 2026, while warning that restricted access and underreporting mean the real number is probably higher.
According to the findings, 89 percent of verified cases involved Russian military, prison or security personnel.
Many documented victims were male prisoners of war or civilian detainees, although women and children were also affected, particularly in Russian-occupied territory.
The UN recorded severe abuses including rape, sexualized torture, electric shocks and genital violence, underscoring the need for survivor-centered medical and psychological assistance.
Ukrainian personnel were linked to 11 percent of the verified cases, largely involving threats of sexual violence and beatings, the report said.
UN investigators called for accountability, secure access to detainees and support programmes adapted to the different needs of male, female and child survivors.
Source: Reuters
Featured photo by Anastasiia Krutota via Unsplash.
