Ukrainian officials, including Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Sergiy Kyslytsya, have accused Russia of using sexual violence as a weapon of war against both civilians and prisoners of war since the full-scale invasion began. Kyslytsya stated on April 23 that over 50 percent of detainees released from Russian captivity reported experiencing torture, rape, or other forms of sexual violence. The Prosecutor General's Office has documented nearly 300 such cases, with victims including 188 women, 102 men, and 15 minors.
As of June 2025, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry reported 366 documented cases of sexual violence, including rape, sexual torture, and forced nudity, citing data from the Prosecutor General's Office. This has increased to 368 cases by early July this year, with victims comprising 232 women, 136 men, and 19 minors. Ukrainian officials emphasize that the actual number is likely much higher due to social stigma and fear, but new approaches allow for anonymous reporting and support for victims.
Anna Sosonska, head of the Department for Procedural Guidance of Pre-trial Investigations and Public Prosecution in conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) at the Office of the Prosecutor General, highlighted that Russian officers have either ordered or committed these acts, suggesting it's part of Russian military culture. Ukraine has launched a pilot program, supported by the Global Survivors Fund, to provide emergency financial reparations to victims. As part of this program, 64 individuals have received $3,000 each in one-time payments from third-country governments. Investigations are ongoing, with 85 Russian servicemen notified of suspicion, 44 indictments against 57 servicemen sent to court, and 18 individuals already sentenced to imprisonment.
The UN Secretary-General's 2024 annual report also confirms systematic conflict-related sexual violence by Russia in occupied Ukrainian territories and places of detention. Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other officials are calling for the international community to recognize these as war crimes, strengthen sanctions against Russia, and ensure accountability for perpetrators. Russia, however, has dismissed these allegations as unverified "political statements, outright lies and manipulation."
Sexual violence in conflict is prohibited under the 1949 Geneva Conventions and recognized as a war crime under international law. Pramila Patten, the UN's special representative on sexual violence in conflict, cited testimony suggesting that Russian soldiers were equipped with Viagra, indicating a deliberate military strategy, with family members often forced to listen to the violations occurring in adjacent rooms.
