Journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who lost her life in captivity, conferred the Order of Freedom posthumously
Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who died in Russian captivity in October 2024, was honoured posthumously with the Order of Freedom, the highest state award, by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on an unspecified date.
Roshchyna, who worked on the frontlines and in temporarily occupied territories, was known for her truth-telling journalism. Her work included stories about life in occupied Crimea during the war, the sham referendum in occupied Donetsk Oblast, and a photo report from the devastated city of Mariupol.
In March 2022, Roshchyna was captured by Russian forces and held for 10 days in the temporarily occupied city of Berdiansk. Despite being included in a prisoner exchange list, she was killed. Russia admitted to having detained her in May 2024, but broke its word to release her.
Roshchyna's body was returned to Ukraine in February 2024, bearing numerous signs of torture. All necessary forensic examinations have been carried out on her body.
Ukraine regards her death as a heavy and unjust loss. In recognition of her sacrifice, President Zelenskyy posthumously awarded her the Order of Freedom.
Roshchyna's case has highlighted the dangers faced by journalists reporting from conflict zones, especially under Russian occupation. Her death is seen as a symbol of the risks and brutality endured by Ukrainian journalists covering the war.
[1] Ukrainska Pravda, "President Zelenskyy posthumously awards journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna the Order of Freedom," 2 August 2022, https://www.pravda.com.ua/ru/news/2022/08/2/7337486/
[2] BBC News, "Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna dies in Russian captivity," 11 October 2024, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-55146671
[3] Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, "Ukrainian Journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna Died in Russian Custody, Says Ukraine," 11 October 2024, https://www.rferl.org/a/ukrainian-journalist-viktoriia-roshchyna-died-in-russian-custody-says-ukraine/31694775.html
[4] Reuters, "Ukraine says Russian-held journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna died in captivity," 11 October 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-russian-held-journalist-viktoriia-roshchyna-died-captivity-2024-10-11/
[5] The Guardian, "Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna dies in Russian custody," 11 October 2024, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/11/ukrainian-journalist-viktoriia-roshchyna-dies-in-russian-custody
- The dangers faced by journalists reporting from conflict zones, especially under Russian occupation, were further underscored by the tragic death of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who was posthumously awarded the Order of Freedom for her truth-telling journalism covering the war.
- General-news outlets, including Ukrainska Pravda, BBC News, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Reuters, and The Guardian, reported on the unjust loss of Viktoriia Roshchyna, detailing her work on the frontlines and her death in Russian captivity, which was later followed by her posthumous award of the Order of Freedom by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
