EU Condemns the Killing of Ukrainian Journalist Victoria Roshina: Russia Demonstrates Its Consistent Cruelty and Impunity
The European Union strongly condemned the tragic death of Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshina in Russian captivity, emphasizing that this incident is yet another testament to the relentless brutality and systemic degradation of the Russian occupation machinery. Expressing unwavering support for Ukraine and its fight for freedom and justice, EU officials described Roshina’s death as a grave illustration of what the Russian state is capable of when it comes to Ukrainian citizens, especially those daring to expose occupation crimes. During daily briefings on April 30, 2024, European Commission spokeswoman Annita Hipper highlighted that new details in the investigation into Victoria Roshina’s death further confirm the cynicism and shamelessness of the Russian system of detention and violence. According to Hipper, gathered evidence demonstrates the extent of torture endured by the Ukrainian journalist and confirms that living under Russian occupation is essentially a death sentence in a luxurious shell of inhumane conditions. “Russia often demonstrates its disgusting cruelty towards Ukrainians—killing and torturing them, seeking to intimidate and suppress any attempts at the truth. The murder and torture of Victoria Roshina are among such atrocities, further confirming that the lives of Ukrainians under Russian occupation are threatened every day. This is not only a tragic death but also a bitter symbol of the impunity of a system that turns any resistance or independent expression into a deadly danger,” Hipper stressed. The EU spokeswoman emphasized that the world must not forget the courage of heroic journalists like Roshina, whom the Russian state cynically and terribly punishes for speaking the truth. “We pledge to seek justice and hold accountable those responsible for committing or enabling crimes against our colleague. Russian war crimes and atrocities, which have been concealed or ignored for a long time, must receive proper recognition within the framework of international justice,” she said. Investigation into Victoria Roshina’s Death Detailed information about the circumstances of the tragedy and the brutal torture this Ukrainian journalist endured can be found in journalistic research and investigations reflecting the realities of Russian captivity. For months, "Ukrainska Pravda" has been publishing materials that reveal the high price paid in occupied territories for truth. The investigative conclusions show that Roshina was not the only victim of the realities of Russian captivity. Her story vividly exemplifies the systematic abuse, torture, and socio-political repression of Ukrainian journalists and activists who dare to voice opposition to the occupation authorities. This demonstrates that being on occupied territory is an overall deadly risk, faced not only by military personnel but also by civilians striving to deliver the truth to Ukraine and the global community. Victoria Roshina’s Story In the first months of 2023, she embarked on a dangerous journey into the occupied zone to report firsthand on the situation. On July 25, she crossed the border between Ukraine and Poland, hoping to fulfill an important journalistic mission. Just a few days later, on August 3, she went missing in the occupied territory, which has been under Russian control for several years. Her disappearance shocked the Ukrainian community and colleagues, since she did not inform anyone of her whereabouts. Only later, in May 2024, was it officially confirmed that Russia detained her and that she had died. The Russian Ministry of Defense finally sent an official letter to her father, Volodymyr Roshin, confirming her prolonged detention and death. Victoria’s Death and International Attention This tragic case underscores the importance of international response and the fight to hold the aggressor accountable for all crimes committed against Ukrainian citizens. The global community must not only recognize these crimes but also work towards ensuring Russian perpetrators face justice within the framework of international criminal law. In fact, Roshina’s death has become a symbol of the impunity and evil Russia displays in its war against Ukraine. Her memory calls on all nations and human rights organizations to intensify efforts in the struggle for justice, truth, and international accountability. Conclusions The death of Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshina is not only a personal tragedy for her loved ones but also a powerful signal to the world that the Russian state actively employs any means necessary to instill fear and obliterate the truth. It reaffirms that life under occupation for Ukrainians is always a life at risk. The European Union, international human rights organizations, and Ukrainian authorities must exert maximum effort to hold the guilty accountable and achieve justice for Victoria Roshina and all other victims of Russian crimes.