A Ukrainian journalist now dies in Russian captivity after going missing since August of 2023, sources are confirming.
Viktoria Roshchyna, a freelance journalist with a history of working for RFE/RL and other notable Ukrainian media organizations, has been confirmed dead while in Russian captivity, according to Ukrainian authorities on October 10.
Roshchyna had been missing since early August 2023.
Petro Yatsenko, a representative from Ukraine’s Coordination Staff for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, announced that her death was confirmed following an internal investigation into her disappearance.
He noted that the circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear and are still under investigation.
Roshchyna had traveled from Ukraine to Poland on July 27, 2022, before heading into Russian-occupied areas of eastern Ukraine.
Her last known communication was on August 3, 2023, as reported by her father, Volodymyr Roshchyn.
The news of her death has devastated RFE/RL, with President and CEO Stephen Capus stating that her unlawful imprisonment and tragic death highlight the severe risks journalists face while reporting on Russia’s war in Ukraine.
He emphasized the importance of honoring her legacy by holding her captors accountable.
Oleksandra Matviichuk, a friend of Roshchyna and head of the human rights organization Center for Civil Liberties, reacted by saying Roshchyna “died under unknown circumstances in Russian captivity while fighting for freedom, transparency, and democracy.”
She praised Roshchyna’s bravery, urging others to aspire to her courage.
Yatsenko mentioned that efforts were underway to secure Roshchyna’s release before her death, as she was among at least 25 other Ukrainian journalists detained or missing in Russian-controlled areas.
Andriy Yusov from Ukraine’s Military Intelligence confirmed that Roshchyna was scheduled for a prisoner exchange and was being transferred from Taganrog, a city near the Ukrainian border, to Moscow’s Lefortovo detention center when her situation changed.
Ukrainian authorities are now investigating what occurred during this transfer. Roshchyna’s case underscores the perilous conditions journalists face in war zones.
According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), over 100 journalists, both Ukrainian and foreign, have been affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine since it began in February 2022.
Her death serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing threats to press freedom in conflict areas, with several Ukrainian journalists still detained or missing in Russian-occupied territories.
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