Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, 401 cases of conflict-related sexual violence have been documented. According to the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, the victims include 250 women, 151 men, and 24 minors. These statistics underscore that sexual violence is not an isolated byproduct of hostilities but a deliberate, systematic tool of terror used by Russian forces to subjugate, humiliate, and intimidate the civilian population in occupied territories.
The highest number of incidents has been recorded in the Kherson, Donetsk, Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia regions. The gravity of these crimes has led the United Nations to include the Russian army in its ‘blacklist’ of parties responsible for conflict-related sexual violence. This systematic abuse serves as a weapon of war, aimed at breaking the spirit of communities living under occupation.
Ukrainian authorities are working tirelessly to ensure accountability. Currently, 116 Russian soldiers have been served notices of suspicion, and 64 indictments have been sent to court. So far, 19 verdicts have been delivered against 26 individuals, all of whom have received prison sentences. Even though most perpetrators remain in Russia and attempt to evade justice, Ukrainian investigators are meticulously gathering evidence to build a strong legal basis for future international prosecutions.
Beyond criminal proceedings, a major priority for the state is providing comprehensive support to survivors. The approach is victim-centered, focusing on dignity, psychological recovery, and medical assistance without inducing further trauma. By partnering with international organizations and NGOs, Ukraine ensures that survivors are not left to face their pain alone.
Every documented crime and every conviction serves as a vital step toward justice. By building an indisputable record of these atrocities, Ukraine is holding the Russian regime accountable and sending a clear message: impunity is not an option. For more analytical updates on the war in Ukraine, visit Factage Ukraine.