Journalist who met death in captivity honored posthumously with Freedom Order
Journalist Victoria Roshchina Killed in Russian Captivity
Victoria Roshchina, a brave Ukrainian journalist who dedicated her life to uncovering the truth about the war, was tragically killed in Russian captivity in October 2024.
Roshchina's career was marked by her courageous reporting from conflict zones and politically sensitive environments. She highlighted the stories of marginalized and oppressed individuals, often focusing on human rights, political dissent, and the impacts of government policies on everyday citizens.
In 2022, Roshchina wrote several reports about occupied territories for UP, including on Crimea, Donetsk, and Mariupol. Her investigative work brought international attention to important issues within Russian society, and she was regarded as a symbol of journalistic integrity and bravery.
Roshchina's life took a tragic turn when she was captured by Russian occupiers in Berdyansk in March 2022. She went missing on August 3, 2023, on the occupied Russian territory. Russia did not keep their word to release Roshchina from captivity. In February of 2024, her body was returned to Ukraine, bearing numerous signs of torture.
All relevant examinations regarding Roshchina's death have been ongoing since February 2024. At the time of her death, she was on the lists for exchange. In May 2024, Russia acknowledged for the first time that they had detained Roshchina.
To reach the occupied territory, Roshchina left Ukraine for Poland on July 25, 2023, and planned to travel through Russia. Her death sparked widespread outrage and a call for justice.
President Volodymyr Zelensky awarded the Order of Freedom posthumously to journalist Victoria Roshchina on August 2, 2024, in recognition of her unwavering belief that freedom would prevail over everything. There is a project titled "Victoria" that tells the story of Roshchina's captivity and torture, as well as the experiences of thousands of Ukrainian prisoners of Russia.
Roshchina's legacy serves as a reminder of the risks faced by journalists working under authoritarian regimes and in conflict zones. Her life and work continue to inspire other journalists and human rights advocates.
- Victoria Roshchina's investigative journalism in war-and-conflicts zones and politically sensitive areas, particularly revolving around human rights, political dissent, and government policies, made significant contributions to general news and international attention.
- Despite being acknowledged by Russia in May 2024, the tragic death of Victoria Roshchina while in Russian captivity continues to be a focus of general news discussions, highlighting the dangers faced by journalists working under authoritarian regimes and in conflict zones.
