Russia systematically uses torture in occupied Ukraine — UN report / The New Voice of Ukraine

The Russian military and authorities continue to use torture against Ukrainian military personnel and civilians across all territory under Moscow’s occupation, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine said in a report on Oct. 29.

Presented to the UN General Assembly, the report indicates that torture follows a set pattern, suggesting its systematic nature. Former detainees described similar cruel methods intended to intimidate, humiliate, coerce, and punish.

The commission provides evidence that representatives from Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) and the Federal Penitentiary Service participated in these acts of torture, acting in a coordinated manner with clearly divided roles.

In addition to beatings, electric shocks, starvation, and deprivation of water, Russian guards reportedly used sexual violence, primarily against men. Victims described experiencing severe physical pain and injuries with lasting or even irreversible effects, as well as serious psychological issues, according to the report.

The report also documents cases of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians being killed by Russian security personnel.

Eric Möse, the commission's chair, stated that the collected evidence indicates that Russian authorities acted within a coordinated state policy of using torture on Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war, amounting to a crime against humanity.