Torture is part of Russian war policy, says UN observer in Ukraine

A United Nations observer has accused Russia of deliberately using torture and ill-treatment as state policy in its war on Ukraine.

These reported that soldiers had given detainees electric shocks, applying power to their ears and genitals, beaten them, carried out mock executions and threatened them with rape and death.

Sabotage attempts reported in occupied Ukraine as Russia holds local elections

“These grievous acts appear neither random nor incidental, but rather orchestrated as part of a state policy to intimidate, instil fear, punish, or extract information and confessions,” Edwards said.

More than 103,000 war crimes cases have been registered so far, according to the Ukrainian government.

However, the warfare and Russia’s occupation of Ukrainian territories are complicating the work of the judiciary.

Edwards also visited Ukrainian facilities for Russian prisoners of war and praised the care and respectful treatment of the soldiers.