Why Ukraine’s Heroine Vіktoria Roshina Still Has Not Received the Highest State Award: An Open Letter from Her Father to the President
The father of Ukraine’s fallen journalist Vіktoria Roshina, who became a victim of horrific torture in Russian captivity and died in 2024, has addressed an open letter to the Office of the President of Ukraine.
In his message, he demands explanations as to why his daughter, who demonstrated immense courage and self-sacrifice through her journalistic efforts, has yet to be posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine despite support from the parliament.
Vіktoria was detained in Russian captivity from 2023 and endured unimaginable mistreatment; her body, showing signs of violent death, was returned to Ukraine during a prisoners’ exchange in February 2025 along with 38 defenders.
On May 14, 2025, the Verkhovna Rada supported a resolution proposing to award her the title of Hero of Ukraine posthumously, with 247 deputies backing this initiative, and the document was forwarded to the president for approval on May 16.
However, in response to her family’s inquiries, the Office of the President officially announced in September that Vіktoria was awarded the Order of Freedom in August, signed by the president.
Vіktoria’s father, Volodymyr Roshyn, expressed his surprise and disagreement with this decision, emphasizing that, according to the parliamentary initiative, her civic stance, bravery, and professional sacrifice unequivocally meet the criteria for Ukraine’s highest honor.
He recalls her work for prominent Ukrainian media outlets, her recognition for courage in journalism, and her sacrifice for Ukraine’s independence and freedom.
He believes state institutions should have thoroughly considered her candidacy, but this did not happen.
Volodymyr calls for an official clarification detailing all stages of the review of parliamentary and Ministry of Culture submissions, including submission dates, review processes, conclusions by the awards and heraldry commission, expert group formations, and the dates of meetings.
He also requests copies of protocols, evaluations, and decisions made during this process.
According to him, Vіktoria’s death is not only a personal loss but a sacrifice for the entire nation, which lost a true hero fighting for freedom of speech and sovereignty.