Torture of Ukrainians is systematic Russian policy – UN

UN Special Rapporteur on torture, Alice Jill Edwards, stated this, as reported by The New York Times.

This is not random, aberrant behavior,” Ms. Edwards said. “This is orchestrated as part of state policy to intimidate, instill fear or punish to extract information and confessions." 

According to her, Moscow denies engaging in torture, but this implies implicit approval of its use.

She mentioned that eyewitnesses have provided credible accounts confirming a recurring pattern of torture, including sexual assault and physical abuse, in various detention facilities during the Russian occupation and among Ukrainian soldiers captured by Russian forces.

Edwards also pointed out that among the hundreds of Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia and subsequently released during exchanges, 90% had experienced torture, including sexual violence.

Furthermore, she highlighted the existence of accounts describing electric torture, beatings, mock executions, drownings, prolonged forced positions, threats of rape or death, and so-called ceremonies that are, in reality, attempts to degrade the detainees.

• On April 11, a video circulated on the internet showing Russian invaders executing a man, claiming him to be a Ukrainian military member. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also responded to the video.