‘They all laughed’: Russia accused of sexual violence in occupied Ukraine – Times of India

A new report has brought to light alarming allegations of sexual violence committed by Russian forces in occupied regions of Ukraine. Documented by human rights organizations, the findings depict a grim picture of abuses and atrocities in the conflict-affected areas, highlighting a broader pattern of human rights violations that have emerged during the ongoing conflict.

As per the CNN, the report details numerous cases of sexual violence, including rape and other forms of abuse, perpetrated against Ukrainian civilians. These incidents reportedly involve women, men, and children, underscoring the pervasive nature of the violence in the occupied territories. The documented cases paint a disturbing image of the impact on the victims and the community at large.

One survivor, speaking under the condition of anonymity, recounted their harrowing experience, saying, “They came to our house, dragged us out, and subjected us to unspeakable horrors. We were left traumatized and helpless.” Such testimonies have been corroborated by multiple sources, lending credibility to the disturbing accounts and highlighting the urgent need for intervention.

‘They all laughed’
Roman Chernenko, a 29-year-old intelligence officer with the Ukrainian military who goes by the call sign “Omen,” recounted his harrowing experience in a “punishment cell” in a prison in the occupied city of Olenivka, in the eastern Donetsk region. Chernenko said he was captured by Russian troops in the Mariupol area and spent seven months in captivity, during which he was tortured as often as three times a day, every day, for four months.

Released as part of a prisoner exchange in January 2024, Chernenko is still recovering from the ordeal. Speaking to CNN a few weeks after his release, on the day he proposed to his girlfriend, he said it was his thoughts of her and his mother that gave him strength to survive captivity.

“They laughed when they tortured me … they told me that my mother was being f**ked by Chechens. They took me to be shot twice, they threatened me with rape,” he said.

CNN asked Russia’s Ministry of Defense, Interior Ministry, FSB, National Guard (Rosgvardia), and the military intelligence agency, known as the GRU, for comment on allegations of sexual violence at specific detention facilities but has not received any response.

International organizations have condemned these acts and called for immediate action to protect civilians. The United Nations has urged Russia to investigate these allegations and hold those responsible accountable. “These reports are deeply troubling and demand a thorough investigation. The perpetrators of these heinous crimes must be brought to justice,” said a UN spokesperson. The urgency in the UN’s response reflects the gravity of the situation and the international community’s growing concern.

The Ukrainian government has also responded, pledging to support the victims and seek international assistance in addressing the crisis. Ukrainian officials have called for increased sanctions against Russia and greater support from the international community to pressure Russia into compliance with international human rights standards. “We are committed to ensuring justice for our people and holding the perpetrators accountable,” said a Ukrainian government representative. The government’s actions aim to provide immediate relief to the victims and establish long-term measures to prevent further abuses.

Human rights organizations are advocating for more robust responses to these violations. They emphasize the need for comprehensive measures to prevent sexual violence, support survivors, and ensure accountability. Advocacy groups are calling for enhanced international cooperation to address these atrocities effectively.

The report has intensified calls for accountability and justice for the victims of sexual violence. Human rights advocates emphasize the need for a robust response to prevent further atrocities and support survivors in their recovery. They stress that without decisive action, the cycle of violence is likely to continue, further endangering civilians.

As the conflict continues, the situation remains dire for many civilians in the occupied territories. The international community faces mounting pressure to address these violations and ensure that justice is served for the victims of sexual violence in Ukraine. Ongoing efforts are required to protect vulnerable populations and restore peace and security in the region.