The European Union has condemned Russia's widespread and systematic use of torture and conflict-related sexual violence in Ukraine, documenting at least 280 men, 26 women and 4 girls affected by rape, genital mutilation and other abuses perpetrated by Russian armed and security forces in 2025, according to a statement published on 30 June 2026 by the EEAS Delegation to the Council of Europe. The statement marks the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict (19 June) and the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture (26 June).
The EU noted with deep regret Russia's denunciation of the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture, which is due to take effect on 1 November 2026. For the fourth consecutive year, the UN Secretary-General has blacklisted Russia's armed forces for committing grave violations against children, and has now also listed Russia for conflict-related sexual violence. The EU reiterated its strongest condemnation of Russia's violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, expressing solidarity with victims and survivors in Ukraine, their families and communities.
The EU reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring full accountability for war crimes and other most serious crimes connected to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. It welcomed the ratification on behalf of the EU of the Convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine, as well as progress on the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, and encouraged further sustained efforts within the Council of Europe framework to operationalise these two international bodies.
The statement was aligned with Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, San Marino, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.