Current:Home > ScamsRussians committing rape, 'widespread' torture against Ukrainians, UN report finds -EverVision Finance
Russians committing rape, 'widespread' torture against Ukrainians, UN report finds
View
Date:2025-04-16 08:23:20
Russian forces are allegedly committing continuous war crimes in Ukraine, including rape and "widespread and systematic" torture, the latest Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine found.
The Russians are allegedly torturing people accused of being Ukrainian army informants in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, and in one case, the torture was so extreme that it caused a victim's death, the commission said in its latest report to the U.N. Human Rights Council on Monday.
MORE: It's a kayak with a grenade launcher. And it could be game-changer in Ukraine.
One torture survivor said, "Every time I answered that I didn't know or didn't remember something, they gave me electric shocks," according to the commission.
MORE: Bucha survivors recount 'senseless' horror as they emerge from hiding
"Well into the second year of the armed conflict, people in Ukraine have been continuing to cope with the loss and injury of loved ones, large-scale destruction, suffering and trauma as well as economic hardship that have resulted from it," Eric Mose, chair of the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, wrote in the report. "Thousands have been killed and injured, and millions remain internally displaced or out of the country."
In the Kherson region, members of the Russian forces allegedly sexually assaulted women as their relatives were forced to listen from nearby rooms, the commission said. Sexual assault victims ranged in age from 19 to 83.
The commission also found evidence of "unlawful attacks with explosive weapons," including attacks on residential buildings, shops, a restaurant and a medical facility.
Konstantin Yefremov, a senior Russian army lieutenant who fled Russia, told ABC News in February he witnessed his country's troops torture prisoners in Ukraine, including beating and threats to rape.
Yefremov, 33, spent three months as an officer in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region and said he personally witnessed the torture of Ukrainian prisoners during interrogations, including the shooting of one POW in the arms and legs and threats of rape.
The commission stressed "the need for accountability" for Russia's "scale and gravity of violations," as well as "the need for the Ukrainian authorities to expeditiously and thoroughly investigate the few cases of violations by its own forces."
ABC News' Patrick Reevell contributed to this report.
veryGood! (74584)
Related
- What to watch: O Jolie night
- A CIA-backed 1953 coup in Iran haunts the country with people still trying to make sense of it
- Foreign spies are targeting private space companies, US intelligence agencies warn
- Fall books: Britney and Barbra’s memoirs are among major releases, but political books are fewer
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Terry Dubrow Reveals Romantic Birthday Plans With Wife Heather After Life-Threatening Blood Clot Scare
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg stamp to be unveiled at U.S. Postal Service ceremony
- Watch Yellowstone wolves bring 'toys' home to their teething pups
- See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
- The downed Russian jet carried Wagner’s hierarchy, from Prigozhin’s No. 2 to his bodyguards
Ranking
- NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
- Savannah picks emancipated Black woman to replace name of slavery advocate on historic square
- Plane crash believed to have killed Russian mercenary chief is seen as Kremlin’s revenge
- Vincennes University trustees vote to expand Red Skelton Performing Arts Center
- How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
- Takeaways from first GOP debate, Prigozhin presumed dead after plane crash: 5 Things podcast
- Virginia school boards must adhere to Gov. Youngkin’s new policies on transgender students, AG says
- Idaho student stabbings trial delayed after suspect Bryan Kohberger waives speedy trial
Recommendation
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
Beach Bag Packing Guide: 26 Affordable Must-Haves for Your Next Trip
Is olive oil healthy? Everything you need to know about the benefits.
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes return; new pumpkin cold brew, chai tea latte debut for fall
Juan Soto praise of Mets' future a tough sight for Yankees, but World Series goal remains
What exactly is colostrum, the popular supplement? And is it good for you?
'No chance of being fairly considered': DOJ sues Musk's SpaceX for refugee discrimination
Epilogue Books serves up chapters, churros and coffee in Chapel Hill, North Carolina