Renewed Call to Award Viktoriya Roshchyna the Hero of Ukraine Title
Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, who chairs the Parliamentary Committee on Freedom of Speech, has once again petitioned President Volodymyr Zelensky to posthumously grant the prestigious Hero of Ukraine award to journalist Viktoriya Roshchyna. This request follows an earlier appeal supported by the Verkhovna Rada one and a half years ago, which still awaits official consideration.
Viktoriya Roshchyna, who would have celebrated her 30th birthday on October 6, was posthumously awarded the Order of Freedom in 2025. Yurchyshyn’s latest initiative to bestow the Hero of Ukraine title has garnered backing from 246 members of parliament. Additionally, in July 2026, a petition supported by nearly 800 individuals—including human rights advocates, journalists, cultural figures, and civil activists—was submitted to the Presidential Office urging the same recognition.
Significance of Official Recognition
In his statement, Yurchyshyn emphasized the importance of honoring Roshchyna as an emblem of wartime journalism, stating:
“The state must award Viktoriya Roshchyna the Hero of Ukraine title posthumously as a symbol of our military journalism. I am submitting this renewed request (already backed by 26 colleagues) to the President of Ukraine and urge support to resolve this matter. Viktoriya Roshchyna is a Hero forever. We must see this through to the end.” – Yaroslav Yurchyshyn
Thus, the effort to posthumously recognize Viktoriya Roshchyna with Ukraine’s highest honor remains a pressing issue, strongly supported by many deputies and public figures.
This case highlights the critical need to acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions of journalists during wartime. Viktoriya Roshchyna has become a powerful symbol of courage and resilience, underscoring the vital role media play in documenting and communicating the realities of conflict in Ukraine. The broad support from lawmakers and civil society reflects a shared commitment to formally honor the bravery of journalists in these challenging times.
As we reflect on the profound impact of Viktoriya Roshchyna's work, it is essential to remember her legacy and the circumstances surrounding her untimely death. To gain a deeper understanding of her sacrifice and the ongoing fight for recognition of journalists in conflict zones, explore our article on the two-year anniversary of her passing. This piece highlights the challenges faced by journalists and the importance of their contributions during wartime.