Roshchyna’s death was confirmed by Ukrainian authorities in October last year, but her identity was only verified in recent weeks after multiple DNA tests were conducted both in Ukraine and abroad due to the condition of the body.
“Given the torture and the condition of her body, Roshchyna’s family requested not one, but several DNA examinations,” Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Yurchyshyn wrote on social media. “They needed absolute certainty.”
Viktoriia Roshchyna was the only reporter covering the occupied territories, her editor says.Credit: Courtesy of hromadske
Roshchyna was a respected freelance journalist who had contributed to major outlets including Ukrainska Pravda and Radio Free Europe. She had previously been detained by Russian forces in 2022 but returned repeatedly to Russian-occupied areas to report.
“Viktoriia was the only reporter who covered the occupied territories. For her, it was a mission,” Sevgil Musayeva, her editor at Ukrainska Pravda, said. “She knew the risks. She did it anyway.”
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Human rights groups have condemned her death, pointing to the broader pattern of civilian detentions and disappearances in Russian-held Ukraine. The Media Initiative for Human Rights, a Kyiv-based NGO, said thousands of civilians remained in Russian captivity, many without charges or legal access.
“She was tortured with electric shocks, had cuts on her arms after interrogations, and weighed just 30 kilograms at the end,” a witness cited by investigative outlet Slidstvo.Info said.
International reactions have been slow, but growing. The Committee to Protect Journalists issued a statement last October holding Russia responsible. Ukrainian officials called on the global community to act.
“The issue of civilian hostages abducted and held by Russia requires increased international attention and immediate and strong response,” Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Georgiy Tykhy said.
Viktoriia Roshchyna at work.Credit: Courtesy of hromadske
The publication of the report came just hours before a fresh wave of Russian drones and missiles struck Ukrainian cities. One person was killed and at least 46 injured in Kharkiv and Dnipro overnight Wednesday, local time, according to officials.
The attacks have killed and wounded dozens of civilians across the country in recent weeks as negotiations for a ceasefire continue without success.
US President Donald Trump said in an interview with ABC News on Wednesday that he believed Russian President Vladimir Putin “wanted to stop the war”, adding: “If it weren’t for me, I think he’d want to take over the whole country.”
Roshchyna’s story has drawn comparisons to the Soviet-era repression of dissidents and journalists, with many now calling for sanctions targeting those responsible for her detention and death.
Ukrainian investigators say the case remains open, though the chances of securing justice are slim as long as the war continues.
“She gave her life telling the truth,” Musayeva said. “The world should know what happened to her – and why.”
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