A new UN report reveals the continuation of Soviet-era torture practices by Russian forces, targeting Ukrainian prisoners and civilians with systematic abuse.
Story Highlights
- The “Call to Putin” torture method involves electric shocks via a Soviet-era field telephone.
- UN reports document the widespread and state-sanctioned use of torture since 2022.
- Victims include both Ukrainian POWs and civilians, with severe physical and psychological impacts.
- Legal loopholes in Russia enable impunity for torture perpetrators.
Systematic Use of Torture in Russian-Occupied Territories
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, reports have emerged detailing the use of a torture method known as “Call to Putin.” This method involves administering electric shocks to sensitive body parts of Ukrainian prisoners using a Soviet-era field telephone, the TA-57. International organizations, including the UN, have documented these abuses, highlighting their systematic and state-sanctioned nature.
Despite international condemnation, Russian forces continue to use torture as a tool of repression. The lack of a specific criminal offense for torture under Russian law facilitates this impunity. The TA-57 field telephone, once a military communication device, has been repurposed for torture since the early 2000s. Victims report severe physical and psychological trauma, with some cases resulting in death.
International Response and Documentation Efforts
UN Special Rapporteurs, including Mariana Katzarova, have been pivotal in exposing these human rights violations. Their reports, released in 2023 and 2024, provide detailed accounts of the torture practices employed by Russian forces. The international community, including organizations like Amnesty International and the European Court of Human Rights, continues to call for accountability and justice for the victims.
However, access to Russian-controlled detention facilities remains limited, complicating efforts to gather comprehensive evidence. Despite these challenges, survivor testimonies and corroborating reports from multiple sources strengthen the call for international action against these abuses.
Broader Implications and Human Rights Concerns
The ongoing use of torture by Russian forces has severe implications for both short-term and long-term human rights. In the short term, victims suffer from debilitating physical and psychological effects, while diplomatic tensions between Russia and other countries escalate. Long-term consequences include the entrenchment of impunity within Russia and the erosion of international human rights norms.
Russia’s ‘Call to Putin’ torture method widespread across Ukraine
UN expert says old-fashioned army telephone can generate up to 80 volts of electricity, ensuring an agonising experience for victims https://t.co/AcqaAVmXBp
— Sjoerd Nolf (@SjoerdNolf) September 29, 2025
The lack of legal reform in Russia to address these practices poses a significant challenge to international justice. Advocacy and legal reform efforts are crucial in addressing these human rights violations. Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations face difficulties in accessing victims and providing necessary support due to the restricted environment in Russian-occupied areas.
Sources:
Horrific details of Russian torture methods revealed in new UN report
Special Rapporteur exposes torture in Russia as a tool for repression
Putin scared: Russian torture of Ukrainian prisoners continues
