The European Union has condemned Russia's widespread and systematic use of torture and conflict-related sexual violence in Ukraine, in a statement marking 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 statement, published on 30 June 2026 by the EEAS Delegation to the Council of Europe, highlights documented cases of rape, genital mutilation, and electric shocks perpetrated by Russian forces, affecting at least 280 men, 26 women, and 4 girls in 2025. The EU also noted with regret Russia's denunciation of the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture, effective 1 November 2026, and reiterated its strongest condemnation of Russia's violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.
The statement draws on findings from the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, and the OSCE Moscow Mechanism. It notes that for the fourth consecutive year, the UN Secretary-General has blacklisted Russia's armed forces for grave violations against children, and has now also listed Russia for conflict-related sexual violence. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring full accountability for war crimes and other serious crimes linked to Russia's war of aggression, welcoming the ratification of the Convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine and progress toward a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression. The EU supports Ukrainian authorities in implementing policies on conflict-related sexual violence and accountability, collaborating with the UN and civil society to strengthen institutional capacities.
The statement was endorsed by 14 countries, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Norway, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.