The United States and Europe have advised Russia on Monday to stop alleged sexual violence by its arms as well as proxies in war-torn Ukraine, allegations that Moscow denounced as “lies.”
The requests were made at the time of the meeting of the United Nation Security Council,which is organized by Albania, h currently holds the rotating presidency.
Meanwhile, United States Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said, “It is on Russia to stop rape, violence, & atrocities from within its ranks. It is on Russia to end this unethical, unprovoked invasion on the individuals of Ukraine, and we call on Russia to do just that.”
The President of the European Council denounced “atrocities” by Russia.
He mentioned in the statement, “These crimes must be & will be punished. To hold liable those who are responsible, we need proof, & we are now helping to collect the evidence of these crimes.”
He stated that Moscow was “solely responsible” for a food crisis sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The accusation led Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, to leave the chamber and be replaced with a deputy.
Along with this, Nebenzia had earlier denied alleged sexual abuses committed by Russian forces in Ukraine.
“The charges of sexual violence against the Russian troops have become repetitive… but no proof has been provided,” he said.
Pramila Patten, the UN’s Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, urged that sexual violence crimes are “ultimately reflected” in any peace agreement.
“This includes ensuring that amnesties for sexual violence crimes are explicitly prohibited,” she highlighted.
