Ukrainian Prosecutor General Irina Venediktova renewed Russia’s accusation of using rape as a method of war.

The prosecutor, while visiting the devastated city of Irbin near Kyiv, said Ukraine was collecting information on allegations of rape, torture and other suspected war crimes committed by Russian forces.

She also added that the allegations include the rape of women, men, children and an old woman. In response to a question about whether rape was a deliberate Russian strategy in the war, she said: “I’m sure, in fact, that it is a strategy”.

“This is, of course, to intimidate civil society…to do everything (to force Ukraine) to surrender”, - added the prosecutor.

She did not provide specifics about the rape allegations, but said that some victims are still in Ukraine and are afraid to speak out for fear of the return of Russian forces.