What new evidence do UN investigators have on Russian war crimes?

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UN Investigators Uncover Fresh Evidence of Widespread Russian War Crimes in Ukraine

United Nations investigators have presented new evidence detailing a pattern of systematic torture and rape perpetrated by Russian authorities within Ukraine and Russia. This evidence further supports findings that Russian authorities have committed violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, including corresponding war crimes. The report also documents the unlawful transfer of Ukrainian children and the looting of cultural property, which has been classified as a war crime.
Systematic Torture and Sexual Violence Documented

The latest findings from the UN Commission of Inquiry (COI) on the rights situation in Ukraine confirm that torture by Russian authorities has been "widespread and systematic." This abuse has occurred in both Ukraine and areas under Russian control. The report specifically details incidents of rape and other sexual violence against women, which are considered acts of torture. Furthermore, it highlights instances of torture with a sexualised dimension and threats of rape directed at male prisoners of war, based on interviews with over 800 individuals across 16 visits to Ukraine.
Unlawful Transfer of Ukrainian Children

Investigators have uncovered additional evidence indicating the unlawful transfer of Ukrainian children to territories controlled by Russia. This practice contributes to the broader pattern of abuses documented by the UN commission since the full-scale invasion began. The commission's ongoing investigations aim to determine if certain identified situations may amount to crimes against humanity.
Looting of Cultural Objects Classified as a War Crime

For the first time, the UN investigators have examined Russia's appropriation of Ukrainian cultural objects and archival documents, with a particular focus on the city of Kherson. During the final weeks of its occupation in late 2022, Russian authorities removed over 10,000 objects from the Kherson Regional Art Museum and approximately 70% of documents from the State Archives of Kherson province, transferring them to occupied Crimea. The UN report explicitly categorises this removal of cultural property as a "war crime."

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What new evidence do UN investigators have on Russian war crimes?

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