Claims Of Russian Sexual Violence Uncovered By Ukrainian Investigators
A police officer and a prosecutor go door to door in Ukraine's Kherson region day after day, town after town to investigate the claims of Russian sexual violence. They search for those left behind as they walk through streets and past homes damaged by artillery strikes. The two men are part of a specialist unit that has traveled from Kyiv.
Author:Dexter CookeReviewer:Hajra ShannonNov 03, 202210.8K Shares543K Views
A police officer and a prosecutor go door to door in Ukraine's Kherson region day after day, town after town to investigate the claims of Russian sexual violence. They search for those left behind as they walk through streets and past homes damaged by artillery strikes. The two men are part of a specialist unit that has traveled from Kyiv.
The Kyiv team documented six allegations of sexual assault in two weeks of work in the Kherson region. According to them, the true figure is certainly much higher. Russian authorities, on the other hand, have denied allegations of war crimes in Ukraine.
Claims Of Russian Sexual Violence In Ukraine
Ukrainian investigators uncover horrific claims of Russian sexual violence
Russian forces were responsible for the "vast majority" of human rights violations in northern Ukraine during the early weeks of the war, including attacks on civilians that the United Nations Committee considers to be war crimes.
The three members of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine stated that they had documented patterns of summary executions, unlawful confinement, torture, ill-treatment, rape, and other sexual violence committed in Russian-occupied areas.
In one of the most disturbing cases, a four-year-old girl was allegedly forced to perform oral sex on a Russian soldier in the Kyiv region in March, according to the commission.
Several other references to reported rape cases are included in the investigation, with victims ranging in age from four to 80 years old. The claims could not be independently verified by Al Jazeera. Previously, Ukrainian officials, rights groups, and the UN have stated that Moscow is using sexual assault as a war tactic.
Erik Mose, the chair of the commission, said in a statement:
“„The impact of these violations on the civilian population in Ukraine is immense. The loss of lives is in the thousands. The destruction of infrastructure is devastating- Erik Mose
The two-man team arrives in Novovoznesens'ke, a village where they've discovered two more cases of rape, allegedly committed by Russian soldiers, as the sun sets at the end of a long day. They return to Kyiv the next day to present their findings.
The Rape Victims Testimony
Tatiana, 56, claims to be one of the victims. To protect her identity, CNN has withheld her last name and village name.
She leads the investigators through broken glass to her brother's house, where she claims two Russian soldiers forced their way through her door. She stated:
“„They walked around those rooms, one stayed there, and the other one, who raped me, came in here. He came in, walked a little bit around the room, and here in this place, he started groping me. I told him, ‘No, no, I am not of the age that I can give you something, look for younger girls.- Tatiana
She was in a daze for three days at home, too embarrassed to go outside. She then claims to have confronted the Russian soldier's commander in an act of bravery.
Many of these allegations, of course, will be impossible to prove; many do not even have a suspect. For the time being, the team files its reports and its investigators continue their work, hoping to file charges in the future.
Rape victims, whether in Ukraine or seeking refuge in another country, face serious health risks. They are at high risk of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, as well as pregnancy and internal physical injuries, all of which would necessitate specialized medical care that may not be available due to the ongoing conflict.
Russia Is Giving Soldiers Viagra To Rape Ukrainians
According to a UN official, Russia is using rape as a "military strategy" in Ukraine, giving soldiers drugs to sexually assault civilians.
Pramila Patten, UN special representative on sexual violence in conflict mentioned:
“„When you hear women testify about Russian soldiers equipped with Viagra, it’s clearly a military strategy.- Pramila Patten
The head of the organization's Independent International Commission of Inquiry into Ukraine wrote in September that Russian forces were committing war crimes against civilians, such as rape, torture, and unlawful confinement.
According to the commission's head, victims of sexual and gender-based violence ranged in age from four to 82, and in some cases, family members were forced to witness the crimes.
Conclusion
Since the Russian invasion, there have been reports of women being raped after their husbands have been executed, as well as women being raped in front of their family members, a deliberate tactic to tear apart the fabric of the Ukrainian family, break the spirit of the women, and instill a sense of hopelessness and despair.
Dexter Cooke
Author
Dexter Cooke is an economist, marketing strategist, and orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience crafting compelling narratives that resonate worldwide.
He holds a Journalism degree from Columbia University, an Economics background from Yale University, and a medical degree with a postdoctoral fellowship in orthopedic medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina.
Dexter’s insights into media, economics, and marketing shine through his prolific contributions to respected publications and advisory roles for influential organizations.
As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive knee replacement surgery and laparoscopic procedures, Dexter prioritizes patient care above all.
Outside his professional pursuits, Dexter enjoys collecting vintage watches, studying ancient civilizations, learning about astronomy, and participating in charity runs.
Hajra Shannon
Reviewer
Hajra Shannona is a highly experienced journalist with over 9 years of expertise in news writing, investigative reporting, and political analysis.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Columbia University and has contributed to reputable publications focusing on global affairs, human rights, and environmental sustainability.
Hajra's authoritative voice and trustworthy reporting reflect her commitment to delivering insightful news content.
Beyond journalism, she enjoys exploring new cultures through travel and pursuing outdoor photography
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