The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has issued an appeal to the head of state, Volodymyr Zelensky, calling for the posthumous awarding of the title of Hero of Ukraine to journalist Viktoria Roshchina — the highest state honor
This decision was adopted by a majority vote — 246 deputies supported this matter, which indicates broad public and political support for such an important recognition of the Ukrainian journalist’s merits, who has become a symbol of resilience and bravery in the fight for truth and the independence of the country’s information space. Viktoria Roshchina is a name known to many Ukrainians, not only because of her professional activities in the country’s leading media outlets. She consciously chose a career in journalism, collaborating with prominent Ukrainian publications and TV channels such as "Ukrainska Pravda," "UA:Pershyi," "Hromadske," "Radio Liberty," as well as websites "Donbas News" and "Censor.net." Her talent and dedication to her work have been recognized multiple times, including in 2022 when she was awarded the prestigious "Courage in Journalism" prize by the International Women's Media Foundation. This was a testament to her extraordinary devotion and heroism in covering events that shape the fate of the country. Viktoria Roshchina’s difficult life journey was filled with trials, especially after the start of the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war. In March 2022, she was detained by Russian troops in the city of Berdyansk, then occupied territory of Zaporizhzhia region. She was later freed and released from Russian captivity, giving hope for her return to her loved ones and her journalistic work. However, by summer of the same year, she attempted again to enter occupied Ukrainian territories — this time to provide timely coverage of events from the front lines. Her father, Volodymyr Roshchina, shared details of this dangerous journey and the stressful situation. On July 27, 2022, Viktoria left Ukraine for Poland, intending to reach the Russian-occupied eastern regions of Ukraine via Russia. Her relatives later confirmed that she underwent several days of border checks, but she did not disclose her exact whereabouts at the time. On the same day, she suddenly disappeared from news reports about her journey. Her fate remained unknown for several months. Subsequently, in May 2024, official information emerged: Russia confirmed the detention of Viktoria Roshchina. The Russian Ministry of Defense sent her father a written confirmation of her captivity in Russia. However, the true horror became known later: in October of that year, the coordination headquarters announced the tragic news — the Ukrainian journalist had died in Russian custody. Andriy Yusov, a representative of Ukraine’s GUR (Main Intelligence Directorate), confirmed that Viktoria was included in the lists for a prisoner exchange, and her return seemed imminent. However, this did not happen, and her life was cut short in captivity. The case of her death was opened immediately after the official sources confirmed her demise. On October 11, the General Prosecutor’s Office of Ukraine announced that the case of Viktoria Roshchina’s disappearance would now be classified as a war crime — intentional murder committed by Russian occupiers. This news provoked a wave of righteous anger and grief within society, as it is not only a tragic story of one person but also another fragment of the terrible reality of war that takes the lives of Ukraine’s best citizens. Independent media "Sledstvo.Info" conducted journalistic investigations that uncovered the personal horrors Viktoria endured in Russian captivity. Medical examiners and investigators found knife wounds, traces of physical abuse, and even signs of electric torture on her body. Russian torture chambers were not hidden; on the contrary, their brutality has been documented. The camps where Ukrainians were held became places of torture and torment, and Viktoria became one of thousands of victims of Russian terror against Ukrainian citizens. The tragedy, which has become a symbol not only of Viktoria Roshchina’s personal courage but also of Ukraine’s worldwide fight for justice, has been commemorated during memorial ceremonies. She has become a symbol of the need to defend truth and freedom at any cost, even at the price of life. The initiation of criminal proceedings related to her disappearance and death is not only a legal process but also a reminder to the world that those responsible for war crimes must be held accountable. Viktoria Roshchina’s image is more than just the story of one journalist and her heroic fight. It is a symbol of the indomitable Ukrainian spirit, unwavering resolve to inform the world even in the most difficult conditions, and a sobering reminder of the price paid for freedom — paid with the highest cost. Ukraine and its civil society bow before her memory, expressing deep gratitude for her courage, selflessness, and unbreakable faith in the truth. Against the backdrop of this tragedy, the Ukrainian government continues to make every effort to establish the truth and bring perpetrators to justice. The events surrounding Viktoria Roshchina’s life and martyrdom serve as a painful reminder of the core values every Ukrainian must fight for — independence, dignity, and truth. This story reinforces the necessity of mobilizing all efforts for victory and justice, ensuring that victims like Viktoria do not become victims in vain.