Ukrainian First Lady Accuses Russian Military of Systematic Sexual Violence

"Used as a War Tool... Must Be Held Accountable for War Crimes"

Olena Zelenska, wife of Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, stated that Russian forces are systematically and openly committing sexual violence in the war in Ukraine and using it as a weapon of war.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] Olena Zelenska, wife of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that Russian troops are committing sexual violence in the Ukraine war and are even using it as a weapon of war.

On the 28th (local time), according to the British newspaper The Times and others, Zelenska visited London to attend a conference on preventing sexual violence in conflict zones and made these remarks.

Zelenska said, "Sexual violence is the most brutal and animalistic way to demonstrate dominance over someone," adding, "During war, no one is safe, so it is difficult for victims of sexual violence to testify." She continued, "This has become another weapon in war," and claimed, "That is why Russian troops use it systematically and openly."

Zelenska also claimed that there were soldiers who spoke to their families in Russia about the sexual violence they committed. This was based on phone calls obtained and analyzed by Ukraine from Russian soldiers.

She said, "The wives of Russian soldiers encourage this," adding, "They say, 'Rape Ukrainian women, but don't tell me.'" Zelenska emphasized, "Russian soldiers are open about sexual violence," and stressed, "This is why it is very important to recognize it as a war crime and hold all perpetrators accountable."