UN report documents over 1,000 cases of sexual violence in Ukraine conflict

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights released a report on September 18, 2026, documenting 1,004 verified cases of conflict-related sexual violence in Ukraine between February 24, 2022, and July 2026. The findings describe systematic torture, including gang rapes, genital mutilation, and the use of electric shocks, affecting victims ranging from children as young as four to elderly individuals aged 82.

According to the report, 89% of the incidents are attributed to the Russian side, specifically involving members of the armed forces, correctional services, and security agencies. The remaining 11% of cases are linked to the Ukrainian side. UN officials, including Volker Turk and Danielle Bell, stated that these figures represent only a fraction of the actual reality, as data collection remains difficult due to ongoing hostilities and limited access to prisoners of war.

The Russian diplomatic mission in Geneva declined to comment on the findings. In contrast, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the publication, citing it as evidence of human rights violations by Russian forces while emphasizing Ukraine's commitment to preventing such abuses within its own ranks. International experts continue to call for comprehensive investigations into these atrocities.