UN report attributes most documented sexual violence in Ukraine to Russian authorities
A United Nations report says sexual violence and torture have been committed extensively during Russia’s war in Ukraine, with most documented cases attributed to Russian personnel. The alleged abuses include rape, gang rape, genital mutilation and electric shocks, affecting prisoners of war, detainees and civilians; the UN says Russia has failed to prevent, investigate or prosecute such crimes.
The report recorded 1,004 verified cases between February 2022 and July 2026, attributing 89% to Russian authorities and 11% to Ukrainian authorities. Most detained victims were men, while women and children were also targeted, particularly in occupied areas; the report also documented alleged abuses by Ukrainian officials, including threats and beatings involving the genitals. It warned that such violations are likely continuing, while separately describing severe humanitarian conditions in the isolated city of Oleshky, where about 2,000 residents, including roughly 50 children, are reportedly trapped by mines, shelling and drone attacks.
- UN documents widespread conflict-related sexual violence in Ukraine.
- 89% of 1,004 verified cases were attributed to Russia.
- Civilians and prisoners face ongoing abuse and humanitarian danger.
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Russia and Ukraine have been at war since February 2022. During the conflict, allegations of sexual violence and torture have emerged involving both Russian and Ukrainian forces, affecting prisoners of war, detainees and civilians. The United Nations has investigated these allegations to document potential war crimes.
The UN's investigation recorded cases of sexual violence, torture and other severe abuses committed by personnel from both sides. International humanitarian law prohibits such acts during armed conflict, and countries are expected to investigate and prosecute those responsible.
This investigation matters because documented evidence can support legal accountability through international courts or tribunals and help establish what happened during the war. Such investigations are also considered essential for acknowledging the suffering of victims and potentially preventing future abuses.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The UN represents established international investigative capacity with trained personnel documenting verified cases through rigorous methodology. The attribution pattern reflects institutional reality: Russian forces controlled vast occupied territories with detention facilities under their direct authority, creating the conditions and opportunity for systematic abuse on this scale. These findings must be accepted and acted upon—dismissing credible documentation of mass abuse because one dislikes the messenger undermines accountability and justice for victims.
The case against
Whilst the report's investigation merits respect, the 89-11 attribution may reflect investigative access rather than ground truth. UN investigators had materially easier access to Ukrainian-held territory than Russian-held areas, and victims in Ukrainian-controlled zones may have felt safer providing testimony. The methodology's structural constraints should be clearly acknowledged rather than presenting the figures as definitive, particularly given the severe humanitarian stakes if the actual comparative incidence differs materially from what the 89 percent figure suggests.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Russian soldiers are ‘gang-raping and torturing civilians in Ukraine with four-year-old girl among victims’, report finds”.