Copyright © 2024 Euromaidanpress.com

The work of Euromaidan Press is supported by the International Renaissance Foundation

When referencing our materials, please include an active hyperlink to the Euromaidan Press material and a maximum 500-character extract of the story. To reprint anything longer, written permission must be acquired from [email protected].

Privacy and Cookie Policies.

“I broke everyone and will do the same to you”:  Russian authorities torture Ukrainians with a sense of impunity 

A UN commission has found that Russian forces are systematically using sexual violence as a form of torture against Ukrainian prisoners. The report highlights a disturbing pattern of abuse, with male detainees particularly targeted in custody, while women in Russian-controlled villages face heightened risk of rape.
occupied Kherson
Hallway of a building used as a torture center by Russian forces in Kherson Oblast. Photo: Evgeniy Maloletka
“I broke everyone and will do the same to you”:  Russian authorities torture Ukrainians with a sense of impunity 

A new report by the UN Human Rights Council’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine has uncovered fresh evidence of widespread and systematic torture committed by Russian authorities against Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war (POWs). 

Over 95% of Ukrainian POWs held by Russia have been subjected to systematic torture, constituting a war crime. The abuses include beatings, electric shocks, starvation and extreme humiliation. In contrast, Russian POWs in Ukraine reportedly receive treatment in compliance with humanitarian laws, with unrestricted access for international monitors.

According to the commission’s chair, Erik Møse, investigators documented new cases of torture, with most victims being men. 

The report highlighted the use of sexual violence as a form of torture, particularly against male detainees, as well as incidents of rape targeting women in Russian-occupied villages.

The commission’s findings reinforce previous conclusions that torture by Russian authorities has been both widespread and systematic. Common elements were identified across multiple detention facilities, suggesting a coordinated approach. These included consistent practices in detention centers, involvement of specific Russian services in torture, and the recurrent use of sexual violence.

Møse noted disturbing testimony indicating that some Russian officials openly endorsed brutal treatment. One witness recounted a Russian penitentiary official introducing himself to detainees by stating, 

“I broke everyone and will do the same to you.”

“The wide geographic spread of locations where torture was committed and the prevalence of shared patterns demonstrate that torture has been used as a common and acceptable practice by Russian authorities, with a sense of impunity,” Møse said.

The report also highlighted a concerning lack of medical assistance in many Russian-operated detention facilities. 

In one particularly egregious case, former detainees described the aftermath of an explosion in the Olenivka prison, where at least 50 Ukrainian prisoners of war died without receiving immediate medical support.

“Ukrainian military doctors, detained in the colony, were the only ones attempting to deliver first aid during that night. They recounted assisting fellow soldiers, in the dark and without vital medical equipment, using the small amount of supplies remaining in their own first-aid kits and bed sheets for bandages. They saw many die that night, while the leadership of the Olenivka colony stood by and watched,” Møse shared.

The UN investigation gathered substantial evidence, including testimonies and satellite images, suggesting that the explosion was internal and not caused by a Ukrainian HIMARS strike as Russia claimed.

The commission emphasized the severe physical and psychological impact on victims, with many struggling to reintegrate into society. 

 “I was haunted by the fear of being imprisoned again. I am at home physically, but I still feel mentally imprisoned by the trauma inflicted upon me by the Russians,” one former prisoner of war described his challenges.

The report concludes by stressing the importance of continued investigations, identification of perpetrators, and accountability measures. It also calls for comprehensive support for victims and urges all parties to cooperate in addressing these critical issues.

 

Related:

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.  We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!

To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here

You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter

Please leave your suggestions or corrections here



    Euromaidan Press

    We are an independent media outlet that relies solely on advertising revenue to sustain itself. We do not endorse or promote any products or services for financial gain. Therefore, we kindly ask for your support by disabling your ad blocker. Your assistance helps us continue providing quality content. Thank you!

    Related Posts