Overview

• OHCHR’s 22-page report released Sept. 23 concludes torture of civilian detainees by Russian authorities has been widespread and systematic in occupied Ukraine and in multiple regions inside Russia.
• Documented methods include mock executions, electric shocks, prolonged stress positions, severe beatings, humiliation and sexual violence, occurring during interrogations and in daily routines.
• The UN displayed 114 detention locations in occupied Ukrainian territories and sites across 28 Russian regions without being granted access, and it has confirmed at least 36 deaths linked to abuse or neglect.
• Ukraine estimates roughly 15,000 civilians have been detained since 2022 with about 1,800 still held; the UN has verified at least 400 ongoing detentions, and released POWs reported witnessing civilian abuse in shared facilities.
• The report notes some instances of ill-treatment by Ukrainian authorities; Russia referred inquiries to its Foreign Ministry and has previously denied using torture.