LONDON (AFP) - Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska on Monday called for a "global response" to the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, saying prosecutors in Kiev are investigating more than 100 possible crimes that may have been committed by Russian soldiers.

Speaking at the Initiative to Prevent Sexual Violence in Conflict conference in London, Zelenska said the investigations are just a "small fraction" of the real number of such crimes being committed in the Ukrainian war.

"The invaders have expanded their opportunities to humiliate Ukrainians, and unfortunately, sexual violence and sexual crimes are in their arsenal," she added.

"Everyone knows about the huge numbers of rape cases," she told delegates on the first day of the conference, which is hosted by the British government, adding, "They (Russian soldiers) are very open about this."

She said victims are afraid to speak up because of the stigma and fears that those responsible will return and repeat their actions.
"That is why it is so important that this crime be recognized as a war crime and that the perpetrators be held accountable," she added.

"There must be a global response to this. Unfortunately, such war crimes will continue in the world as long as soldiers believe they can get away with it," she said.

The Ukrainian government has launched a support program to help war victims, which Zelenska said she hoped would be "a first step towards investigation and prosecution".

She said Ukraine is looking forward to launching similar initiatives outside the country.

Last week, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly announced new aid to Ukraine during his visit to Kiev, including support for victims of sexual violence by Russian soldiers.

The conference brings together representatives of about 70 countries and will continue until Tuesday.

On Monday afternoon, the Ukrainian first lady met Akshata Murty, the wife of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in Downing Street, after which they decorated the Christmas tree in front of the residence of the prime minister and the prime minister's office.