Ukraine’s first lady Olena Zelenska told a conference in London on Monday that “sexual violence and crimes” were part of Russia’s “arsenal” to “humiliate Ukrainians,” and called for a “comprehensive response” from the leaders of the world.
Since the Russian invasion on February 24, “the opportunities of the occupiers have expanded to humiliate the Ukrainians and unfortunately sexual violence and sexual crimes are part of their arsenal,” lamented Olena Zelenska.
“I hope there is a response from everyone”
Russia uses sexual violence “systematically and openly”, he said. “That is why it is extremely important that it be recognized as a war crime so that all perpetrators can be prosecuted,” she said, calling for a “comprehensive response” at a London conference against sexual violence in conflict.
“I really hope there is a response from the whole world for everything that is happening in Ukraine right now,” he pleaded.
The “Initiative to Combat Sexual Violence in Conflict” is organized on Monday and Tuesday in London by the British government with representatives from around the world. On Friday, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly visit Kyivannounced new aid and “crucial support for survivors of sexual violence perpetrated by the Russian military.”
“Over 100” ongoing sex crime investigations
Sexual violence is “the cruelest, most animal way of demonstrating domination,” according to Olena Zelenska.
“Everyone knows that there are a lot of rapes” committed by the Russian army in Ukraine but, according to Olena Zelenska, the victims speak even less than usual because of the war, for fear their attackers will come back and start all over again.
“At this moment, the Prosecutor’s Office is investigating more than 100” cases of alleged sexual crimes, said the First Lady, recalling that the first case that resulted in prosecution was that of a woman raped by soldiers who had just killed her husband.
The government has set up a psychological support unit to help war victims, Olena Zelenska said.
Source: BFM TV
