In the Council of Europe, a historic decision was made — on June 3rd this year in Strasbourg, an official announcement was made regarding the creation of a memorial day dedicated to Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshyna, who has become a symbol of the fight for freedom of speech, truth, and human dignity under the most difficult conditions
The new day — "Victory for Victoria" Day — is set to become an annual tribute to those who risk their lives reporting on armed conflicts, and it aims to sincerely honor media professionals who battle for the truth every day despite threats to their lives. The initiative was launched by the PACE Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media, with the inspiration from the President of the Parliamentary Assembly, Theodoros Roussopoulos. As Yevhenia Kravchuk, Deputy Head of the "Servant of the People" faction, reported in her Facebook post, the idea arose during discussions on a resolution dedicated to the fight of Ukrainian journalists against Russian aggression and the situation of their captivity. As part of this initiative, there are plans to introduce a dedicated day of remembrance into the annual political calendar, complemented by special events such as a moment of silence during the autumn session in Strasbourg and the organization of relevant side events to raise global awareness. “This day will become a symbol of the struggle for freedom of speech and a remembrance of our colleagues who risk their lives to bring the truth to the world,” said Yevhenia Kravchuk. She emphasized that the first celebration of "Victory for Victoria" Day is scheduled for the upcoming PACE international session in September, with a special focus during the vote on the resolution concerning Ukrainian journalists in captivity. This will not only honor the hero with the name Victoria but also draw international attention to the countless risks faced by journalists covering Ukraine’s ongoing struggle. Victoria Roshyna’s memory has become a symbol of relentless courage and an unwavering will for the truth. The journalist who disappeared in Russian captivity in August 2023 left behind not only a heroic example of professional integrity but also a tragic story of sacrifices faced by Ukrainian media during this war. According to official information, Victoria left Ukraine for Poland on July 25, 2023, to cover a report in a front-line area. She planned to travel further through Russia to reach the occupied regions of eastern Ukraine. However, just a few days later, on August 3, she went missing in the temporarily occupied territory controlled by Russian troops. Only in spring 2024 was her detention acknowledged by the Russian side for the first time: the Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed her captivity and informed her father, Volodymyr Roshyn, about her detention. The true tragedy unfolded afterward. On October 10, the Ukrainian Defense Forces’ press service reported that Victoria Roshyna had died in Russian captivity. Her body was found with numerous signs of torture, including stab wounds and electric injuries. Forensic examinations confirmed multiple wounds and traces of dissection on her body, as well as the absence of internal organs, indicating brutal abuse and violence. The investigation into the journalist’s disappearance and murder has entered the stage of criminal proceedings. On October 11, Ukraine’s General Prosecutor’s Office classified this as a war crime committed with premeditated killing. Ukrainian intelligence agency "Sledstvo.Information" learned that Katerina Roshyna was subjected to severe torture in Russian captivity, including beatings and stabbing with knives. Her body, according to experts, showed signs of years of torture and internal damage; in some cases, parts of internal organs were missing. This tragic story has become yet another confirmation of the risks Ukrainian journalists face in the war with Russia. Their courage and sacrifice, their unconditional devotion to the truth — all of this has become an object of worldwide respect and deep commemoration. Victoria Roshyna remains a symbol of resistance and dedication to the profession, and creating a dedicated memorial day for her is an important step in asserting the value of freedom of speech and the fight for human rights during these challenging times. This project is not only a tribute to fallen and missing journalists but also a strong signal to the international community that Ukrainian media professionals remain on the front lines in the battle for truth and human dignity, despite deadly risks. It is through this story that the idea of establishing "Victory for Victoria" Day has gained broad support among European parliamentary circles and international institutions, aiming to increase awareness and reinforce global priorities on protecting journalists during wartime.