A recent investigation has revealed horrifying details about the death of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who was allegedly tortured and killed while in Russian custody.
The 27-year-old journalist had been reporting on illegal detentions and human rights abuses in Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia when she was captured by Russian forces in 2023.
According to forensic reports, Roshchyna’s body showed signs of severe torture. Her injuries included multiple abrasions, haemorrhages on various parts of her body, a broken rib, injuries to the neck, and what appeared to be electric shock marks on her feet.
These disturbing findings were confirmed by Yuriy Belousov, the head of the War Crimes Unit in Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s office.
More shockingly, when her body was returned to Ukraine, several organs were missing. Investigators noted that an autopsy had already been performed before the body was handed over.
Missing organs included her brain, eyeballs, and trachea, according to members of the investigative team. This has raised suspicions that Russia may have attempted to hide the true cause of her death, possibly to cover up evidence of a war crime.
Roshchyna’s death has triggered outrage among journalists, human rights groups, and Ukrainian officials. Her editor at Ukrainska Pravda, Sevgil Musaieva, described her as a courageous journalist deeply committed to her work. “Viktoriia was the only reporter who covered the occupied territories. For her, it was a mission,” Musaieva said.
Tributes also poured in from her colleagues at Hromadske, another Ukrainian media outlet, where she had previously worked.
One colleague said, “For her, there was nothing more important than journalism. Vika was always where the most important events for the country took place. And she would have continued to do this for many years, but the Russians killed her.”
The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned her death, holding Russia responsible and calling for international action. Ukrainian officials echoed this sentiment, raising concerns about thousands of Ukrainian civilians reportedly being held in Russian custody without formal charges or access to legal aid.
“The issue of civilian hostages abducted and held by Russia requires increased international attention and immediate and strong response,” said Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesperson Georgiy Tykhy.
The broader backdrop of this tragedy is the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which continues to intensify. On the same day the report on Roshchyna’s death was released, Russia launched drone and missile strikes on the cities of Kharkiv and Dnipro, killing at least one person and injuring dozens more.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the conflict during an interview with ABC News. He claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin would have tried to take over all of Ukraine if not for his intervention during his term in office.
