UN documents over 1,000 cases of sexual violence in Russia's war against Ukraine, attributes 89% to Russia

On September 18, the United Nations released a report on sexual violence linked to Russia's war against Ukraine, based on interviews conducted by its monitoring mission from the start of the full-scale invasion through July 31, 2026.

In total, the UN documented 1,004 cases, including 20 that occurred before February 24, 2022, but were only recorded now. The report notes that a single "case" can involve repeated acts of violence, since many victims cannot recall exact numbers of assaults. The data covers violence against both civilians and prisoners.

Forms of violence

Documented forms include gang rape, rape, mutilating torture of the genitals, forced stripping, beatings of naked victims, and threats of violence.

Russia's responsibility

Russia is held responsible for 892 of the documented cases, or 89%. The violence was carried out by FSB and FSIN personnel during arrests, interrogations, detention, and preparation for prisoner exchanges or releases. The report states Russian authorities have taken no apparent steps to prevent or investigate such violence.

Most victims of Russia-attributed violence were men — 725 cases. A common method involved electric shock torture using field telephones, with wires attached to victims' genitals; this was documented in 155 cases. In 246 cases victims were beaten on the genitals, and in 372 cases forced to strip. Only 38 cases involved threats alone. The oldest victim was an 82-year-old woman, the youngest a four-year-old girl. The UN also cited several 2022 cases from Kherson and the Kyiv region previously mentioned in earlier releases.

Ukraine's responsibility

Ukraine is responsible for 11% of cases, primarily involving SBU officers, soldiers, and prison staff.

The UN cautioned the true number of cases is likely far higher, since the monitoring mission operated only in Ukrainian-controlled territory, and some victims declined to have their cases made public.