LONDON (AP) — Russian soldiers have to be held accountable for raping Ukrainian women and committing other acts of sexual violence during Russia’s war in Ukraine, the country’s first lady, Olensa Zelenska, told a global conference on stopping sexual violence in conflicts Monday.
Zelenska told the London summit that sexual violence was being perpetrated “systematically and openly” because the war in Ukraine drags on. Phone recordings have shown Russian soldiers openly discussing rape with their relatives at home, Zelenska said.
“Sexual violence is essentially the most cruel, most animalistic method to prove mastership over someone. And for victims of this sort of violence, it’s difficult to testify in war times because no person feels protected”, she said.
“That is one other instrument that they’re using as their weaponry. That is one other weapon of their arsenal on this war and conflict. That’s why they’re using this systematically and openly,” she added.
Zelenska then visited Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s official residence at No. 10 Downing Street. She was greeted by Sunak’s wife, Akshata Murty, and the 2 women decorated the Christmas tree outside the residence in front of assembled photographers.
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Zelenska is predicted to deal with British lawmakers on Tuesday as a part of her U.K. visit.
Sunak visited the Ukrainian capital Kyiv earlier this month, where he offered continued U.K. support to Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
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