Parliament Appeals to the President
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has once again called on President Volodymyr Zelensky to award the late journalist Viktoriya Roshchyna the prestigious title of Hero of Ukraine posthumously. This appeal was backed by 255 members of parliament. Viktoriya disappeared while in captivity in August 2023, with her death confirmed in October 2024. Her body was repatriated to Ukraine at the end of February 2025.
The renewed request refers to an earlier plan to grant Roshchyna this honor in July 2026. At that time, nearly 800 supporters—including human rights advocates, journalists, cultural figures, and civil activists—submitted a petition to the President’s Office. Notably, Viktoriya would have turned 30 on October 15, 2026.
Recognition and Awards
In 2025, Viktoriya Roshchyna received the Order of Liberty posthumously. Additionally, 246 parliamentarians endorsed the motion to bestow upon her the title of Hero of Ukraine. She was captured by Russian forces in March 2022 in temporarily occupied territory and held for 10 days in Berdyansk before being released. In May 2024, Russia officially acknowledged holding her captive.
Her imprisonment included time at Correctional Colony No. 77 in Berdyansk and Detention Center No. 2 in Taganrog, Russia—known for its brutal treatment of Ukrainian prisoners. In October 2024, Petro Yatsenko, representative of the Coordination Headquarters on Prisoner Affairs, confirmed Viktoriya’s death while in Russian custody.
Viktoriya’s journalistic career included work with Hromadske, contributions to Ukrainska Pravda and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, as well as collaborations with Ukrainian Radio, UA: Pershyi, and Censor.net. "I will resubmit the request to the President to grant Viktoriya Roshchyna the Hero of Ukraine title," stated MP Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, emphasizing the importance of honoring her legacy.
The Verkhovna Rada’s renewed appeal to President Zelensky highlights the significance of recognizing Viktoriya Roshchyna’s courageous commitment to press freedom and human rights amid conflict. Awarding her the Hero of Ukraine distinction would serve as a powerful tribute to those who have lost their lives defending truth and freedom under wartime and political repression. This action also underscores the vital role of journalism in conflict zones and the ongoing fight to protect human dignity.
As the call for Viktoriya Roshchyna's posthumous recognition intensifies, it's important to reflect on her legacy and the circumstances surrounding her tragic death. Two years have passed since she was lost in Russian captivity, and her story continues to resonate with many. To gain deeper insights into her life and the impact of her work, you can read more about the remembrance of Viktoriya Roshchyna and the ongoing efforts to honor her memory.