Overview

• The UN Human Rights Office on Tuesday said Russian occupying authorities have carried out widespread, systematic torture of civilians and arbitrary detentions in occupied Ukrainian territories.
• Investigators interviewed 216 civilians released since June 2023, and 92% reported torture or other ill-treatment during detention.
• Survivor accounts detailed heavy beatings, electric shocks, mock executions, and threats against detainees or their relatives.
• Ukrainian figures cited by the UN indicate roughly 1,800 civilians were in Russian custody as of May 2025, with the actual number likely higher.
• The report also documents torture and mistreatment by Ukrainian detaining authorities against people accused of treason, espionage or collaboration.