Europe Asia News

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha commented on a new report published by the United Nations (UN).

Sybiha said that approximately 900 cases of sexual violence against Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war had been documented since the start of Russia's large-scale attack on Ukraine, adding: “Among the victims are 16 children, some as young as four. This is the true face of the ‘Russkiy mir’: terror, destruction and suffering. Sexual violence and rape are being used as weapons of war. These are only the reported and documented cases. The real number could be much higher. Many victims continue to remain silent for fear of stigma. Russia continues to ignore calls from international institutions to prevent, investigate and prosecute sexual violence committed by its military personnel and FSB officers. This only confirms that the decision to include Russia's armed forces on the UN Secretary-General's ‘list of shame’ was the right one. These war crimes demand a stronger response. The perpetrators must be identified and prosecuted, while the victims deserve justice.”