Russia's ambassador to the EU labels the killing of journalist Rosshina as one of the most atrocious war crimes committed.
Turning the Page on Tragedy: The Heart-Wrenching Story of Journalist Victoria Roshchina
vivacious and fearless, Victoria Roshchina, a 27-year-old Ukrainian journalist, left an indelible mark on the world. Her tragic demise, under Russia's brutal clutches, is painfully reminiscent of one of the most heinous atrocities in the ongoing conflict.
Katarina Maternova, the Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine, poignantly described Victoria's death as a breathtakingly horrendous Russian war crime. Her passion echoed far beyond the diplomatic circle - as a mother, a woman, and an ardent fan of courageous women who defy even the mightiest military pounding.
"She was a beacon of talent and bravery," Maternova said, her voice quivering with emotion. "Her death is a testament to the depravity of Russian war crimes. The abduction, torture, and murder of Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshchina have pierced me not just as an ambassador, but also as a mother, a woman, and an admirer of indomitable and heroic women who will not bow down, not even in the face of military brutality.
We remember her fondly."
Sadly, Victoria isn't an isolated case. Since the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022, over 100 journalists and media workers have lost their lives.
Victoria's vanishing act unfolded on August 3, 2023, within the region under Russia's control, where she had been reporting tirelessly. Russia finally acknowledged her detainment in May 2024, through a letter sent to her father by the Ministry of Defense. On October 10, 2024, Petro Yatsenko, the head of the press service of the coordination headquarters, broke the heart-wrenching news during a telethon, confirming Victoria's passing in Russian captivity.
Investigations by "Investigation. Info" reveal a gruesome tale of brutality. Victoria was subjected to severe torture, including multiple knife wounds, electric shock, and countless other abuses that left her battered and bruised. To conceal evidence of her torture, her captors callously concealed her from inspections.
Victoria's body was finally returned to Ukraine in February 2025, as part of an exchange. DNA tests confirmed her identity with a probability of over 99%. Yet, her family remained skeptical, requesting further forensic analyses out of disbelief.
The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office has launched criminal proceedings, under Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code, charging violation of the laws and customs of war combined with premeditated murder. However, the exact cause of Victoria's death remains elusive, due to the condition of her body upon return.
Victoria's legacy continues to inspire, even as the investigations continue. The international community stands united in condemning this atrocity, seeking justice for Victoria and countless others who have fallen victim to Russia's ruthless war.
This article pays tribute to Victoria Roshchina, remembering her as a beacon of hope who was silenced by the horrors of war. For readers who wish to delve deeper into her heart-wrenching story, "Project 'Victoria'" provides a comprehensive account of her captivity and the horrors she endured.
- The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office is continuing investigations into the death of journalist Victoria Roshchina, charging violation of the laws and customs of war combined with premeditated murder.
- As part of an exchange, Victoria Roshchina's body was returned to Ukraine in February 2025, but her family remains skeptical, requesting further forensic analyses to confirm her identity.
- Victoria Roshchina's legacy continues to inspire, as countless journalists and media workers, especially those reporting in war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, and general-news fields, look up to her fearlessness and bravery.
- In an emotional statement, Katarina Maternova, the Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine, referred to Victoria Roshchina as a beacon of talent and bravery, describing her death as a testament to the depravity of Russian war crimes.
- Since the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022, over 100 journalists and media workers have lost their lives, with Victoria Roshchina's vanishing act on August 3, 2023, being one of the most notable cases.
