Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, 401 cases of sexual violence against Ukrainian civilians have been recorded in Ukraine, with 250 women and 151 men affected, including 23 underage girls and one boy. 116 Russian military personnel have been notified of suspicion, and there are 19 verdicts against 26 individuals, reported Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, writes UNN.
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"Conflict-related sexual violence is one of Russia's most severe war crimes. And it has no statute of limitations.
For Russia, sexual violence is not a "collateral consequence" of war. It is a tool of terror. A way to break a person, humiliate them, and sow fear in occupied territories and torture chambers.
For this, the Russian army has been placed by the UN on the "blacklist" — the list of shame of parties responsible for sexual violence in armed conflict," Kravchenko stated.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, 401 cases of sexual violence against Ukrainian civilians have been recorded. 250 women and 151 men have been affected, including 23 underage girls and one boy
And this, according to him, is only those cases that people were able to speak about.
"Cases of sexual violence against Ukrainian military personnel are being established separately," he stated.
According to the Prosecutor General, the highest number of victims are in Kherson, Donetsk, Kyiv, Kharkiv regions, and Zaporizhzhia region.
Ukrainian justice is already working now, Kravchenko emphasized.
116 Russian military personnel have been notified of suspicion. 64 indictments against 81 individuals have been sent to court. 148 cases of CRSV have been uncovered. Ukrainian courts have already issued 19 verdicts against 26 individuals. All convicts received prison sentences
"Yes, most of the criminals are hiding in Russia. But this does not mean impunity," the Prosecutor General noted.
He emphasized: "With each verdict, we have established the facts, identified the perpetrators, collected evidence, and a legal basis for further accountability of Russia, including in international courts."
"For us, the main priority is the victims.
We work on the principle of a victim-centered approach: without pressure, without stigma, with respect for human dignity. Together with international partners, public and charitable organizations, we ensure access to medical, psychological, social, and legal assistance.
Victims should not be left alone with their experience," Kravchenko emphasized.
"It is important that every crime is documented, and the victim receives help and protection. We are doing everything so that every perpetrator of these crimes is punished. We continue to work," the Prosecutor General stated.