In an emotional interview this morning, Ukraine’s first lady asked that Russia’s rapists be held accountable in an international court.
Just days before the first anniversary of the start of Vladimir Putin’s invasion, Olena Zelenska told GMB’s Susanna Reid that the state prosecutor’s office in Ukraine “registered 150 cases of rape and thus documented the actions of the Russian occupying forces”.
The youngest known victim is just four years old, while the oldest is 85.
Ms Zelenska, 45, said: “Unfortunately, this number is actually much higher, so we await the support of the international community, especially regarding a military tribunal for all war criminals who commit such heinous crimes in Ukraine.”
“No one expected this war to be so brutal. Animal cruelty. War is always terrible, but this war is incredibly cruel.”
In an emotional interview this morning, Ukraine’s first lady asked that Russia’s rapists be held accountable in an international court.
Describing the horrors of war, Ukraine’s first lady said: “There is still a lot of work to be done.
“Many children already need psychological help and sometimes even treatment, especially those who witnessed the execution of their loved ones, children who almost lost their lives together with their father and mother.”
Ms Zelenska said her own family was not immune to the condition, adding: “My children are also like the other children – if they go to their school basements, mine goes to the basement with me.”
As well as describing the situation in Ukraine – and her decision to stay in the war-torn country – she expressed heartfelt thanks to the British people, government and royal family.
She revealed that she had received a personal handwritten letter from a Briton and described it as a “sincere gesture” that brought her to tears.
She said: “I can honestly say I feel it is my duty to be here.
“I am grateful to be here because it will not be easy to leave Ukraine. It will be much more difficult emotionally to be separated from my people at such a pivotal moment in history.
“Britain has shown the most genuine and strongest support from day one and it really is a great example of leadership.
“We not only feel the support of the government and the royal family, we also feel the support of the whole country.
“The safety of our employees is one of the most important things for us and that is what you wish for us. They are one of the first countries to provide us with the necessary weapons that we keep asking for and for that we are truly grateful.”
Good Morning UK’s Susanna Reid caught up with Olena Zelenska in a global exclusive interview
Ms Zelenska warmly thanked the people of Britain, the government and the royal family
She added that she was “grateful” to be in Ukraine “at such a crucial time in history.”
A damning UN report has revealed that Russian soldiers raped a 22-year-old Ukrainian mother, sexually assaulted her husband and tricked the couple into having sex in front of her before raping their four-year-old daughter.
Her call for sexual assault to be brought before an international military tribunal comes after a UN report revealed that Russian soldiers raped a 22-year-old Ukrainian mother, sexually assaulted her husband and previously seduced the couple has to have sex in front of her by raping her. four-year-old daughter.
The report also describes how Russian soldiers in Kiev, Chernihiv, Kharkiv and the Sumy regions carried out summary executions – when someone accused of a crime is killed without a trial or due process, the youngest victim a 14-year-old boy is
In the report, members of the independent international commission of inquiry into Ukraine said they also documented patterns of torture, ill-treatment and illegal detention in areas occupied by Russian forces, all of which constitute war crimes.
The report describes how Russian soldiers raped women and girls in their homes or took them away and raped them in empty homes, leading some to suicidal thoughts.
“In most cases, these rapes also lead to torture and cruel or inhumane treatment of the victims and their families who are forced to watch,” the report says.
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Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
