LONDON (AP) ā Russian soldiers must be held accountable for raping Ukrainian women and committing other acts of sexual violence during Russiaās war in Ukraine, the countryās first lady, Olensa Zelenska, told an international conference on preventing sexual violence in conflicts Monday.
Zelenska told the London summit that sexual violence was being perpetrated āsystematically and openlyā as the war in Ukraine drags on. Phone recordings have shown Russian soldiers openly discussing rape with their relatives at home, Zelenska said.
āSexual violence is the most cruel, most animalistic way to prove mastership over someone. And for victims of this kind of violence, it is difficult to testify in war times because nobody feels safeā, she said.
āThis is another instrument that theyāre using as their weaponry. This is another weapon in their arsenal in this war and conflict. Thatās why theyāre using this systematically and openly,ā she added.
Zelenska then visited Prime Minister Rishi Sunakās official residence at No. 10 Downing Street. She was greeted by Sunakās wife, Akshata Murty, and the two women decorated the Christmas tree outside the residence in front of assembled photographers.
Zelenska is expected to address British lawmakers on Tuesday as 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.