Ukrainian Journalist Tortured and Killed in Russian Detention, Report Reveals

Kyiv, Ukraine – The body of Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshchyna has been returned to Ukraine after she was held in Russian detention for nearly a year, Ukrainian prosecutors report. Roshchyna, who went missing during a reporting trip in August 2023, was confirmed dead due to apparent torture.

According to Yuriy Belousov, head of the war crimes department at the Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office, forensic examinations revealed numerous signs of torture on Roshchyna’s body, including abrasions, hemorrhages, and broken bones, along with potential signs of electric shocks. Belousov stated, “The injuries were sustained while Roshchyna was still alive.”

Roshchyna’s body was returned as part of a prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia in February 2025. When it arrived, Russian authorities had labeled it as that of an “unidentified male.” Despite this misidentification, repeated DNA analyses confirmed the remains belonged to Roshchyna.

Her colleagues at Ukrainska Pravda noted that organs, including her brain and eyes, were missing from the body, raising concerns that Russian authorities may have attempted to conceal the cause of death. Members of the investigation team handling Roshchyna’s remains suggested that such actions could hide signs of violence.

Roshchyna’s disappearance in August 2023 prompted concern among her family and colleagues, as she had been working in high-risk areas to document the conditions of Ukrainians under Russian occupation. Her father reported her missing when she stopped responding to messages, and it was not until nine months later that the Russian government acknowledged holding her as a detainee.

Her colleagues have described Roshchyna as dedicated to journalism, with Evgeniya Motorevskaya stating, “For her, there was nothing more important than journalism. Vika was always where the most important events for the country took place.”

Ukrainian authorities are currently working with international forensic experts to uncover more details about Roshchyna’s death. The ongoing investigation into her death has highlighted the brutal treatment of detained Ukrainians within Russian facilities, particularly in Taganrog, where Roshchyna was held prior to her death.

The Committee to Protect Journalists has condemned Roshchyna’s death, calling on international bodies to address the issue of civilian hostages held by Russia. Spokesperson Georgiy Tykhy emphasized the need for heightened global attention to the situation.