More than 100 Ukrainian women are testifying to their government about their interactions with Russians and alleging that Russians have raped them, according to Ramila Patten, the UN special envoy on sexual assault in conflict.
Using rape as a tactic in battle
According to Patten, the use of drugs for sex acts as evidence that Russia is utilizing rape as a military tactic as they strive to encroach into Ukraine.
“It’s obviously a military plan when you hear women speak about Russian servicemen using Viagra,”
In addition, Patten asserts that since the start of the conflict in February, the UN has confirmed “more than a hundred incidences” of rape or other forms of sexual assault.
According to authorities, there have been rapes of men, women, boys, and girls.
The UN official believes that women and girls have been the major victims, but there have also been allegations of rapes of both boys and men.
Officials assert that war crimes have been committed.
The chairman of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry into Ukraine concluded last month that Russian forces had rampantly perpetrated war crimes against non-combatants, including arbitrary detention, torture, and rape.
Patten has added detail, claiming that in certain instances, the families of rape victims were made to witness the Russian military do the deeds.
According to Patten, who spoke to the media, “Reported incidents are just the tip of the iceberg,” and “Sexual assault is a quiet crime, thus the figures will never reflect reality.”
The Russian administration has refuted every accusation of war crimes, as was to be anticipated.
