How Russia Uses Sexual Violence to Wage War

Russia systematically uses sexual violence as a core tactic of war against Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians.

Ukrainian former POW Serhii Boychuk recounted being raped with bottles and sticks and having a knife pressed against his genitals in Russian camps.

UN investigators have gathered evidence in about 310 cases of alleged sexual violence by Russian forces, including rape, genital mutilation, and electric shocks.

Among the victims documented by the UN, 280 were men, 26 women, and four girls, showing a focus on male soldiers.

Russia denies the allegations, but Ukrainian prosecutors and UN evidence suggest the abuses are systematic and condoned by senior officials.