Remembering Victoria Roshchina: Two Years Since the Journalist's Death in Russian Captivity During the War

Marking the Anniversary of Victoria Roshchina's Passing

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: On September 19, 2026, the world marks two years since the tragic death of journalist Victoria Roshchina, who died while held captive by Russian forces in 2024. The International Press Institute (IPI) has called for those responsible to be held accountable and demands the release of 27 Ukrainian journalists still detained by Russia. Victoria Roshchina remains the only journalist to have died in Russian custody throughout the ongoing conflict. Russian authorities have refused to cooperate with Ukraine in investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.

The Plight of Ukrainian Journalists in Detention

Victoria Roshchina was 27 years old when she died on September 19, 2024. Since the full-scale invasion began, 16 journalists have lost their lives. As of August 2026, 27 Ukrainian journalists remain imprisoned in Russia, many facing charges such as terrorism and espionage. Approximately half of these detentions occurred after the invasion escalated. Roshchina was held in Penal Colony No. 77 in Berdyansk and later transferred to Detention Center No. 2 in Taganrog, notorious for its harsh conditions against Ukrainian detainees.

Her body was returned to Ukraine at the end of February 2025. On May 27, 2026, reports surfaced revealing that Victoria endured systematic torture while imprisoned in Taganrog, including a fractured occipital bone. On October 10, 2024, Petro Yatsenko confirmed her death in Russian captivity. A year later, in October 2025, she was posthumously awarded the Press Freedom Hero Award.

Scott Griffen, a representative of IPI, stated: 'Victoria Roshchina paid the ultimate price for her commitment to ensuring the stories of her fellow citizens living under occupation were heard globally. Her death exposed the brutal treatment Ukrainian journalists face from Russian authorities. IPI remains steadfast in seeking justice for Victoria and urges the international community to fight for the release of every journalist held by Russia.'

Victoria Roshchina’s death highlights the severe risks journalists encounter amid warfare and repression. Her loss serves as a stark reminder for the global community to pay close attention to the fate of other Ukrainian journalists still imprisoned and to emphasize the protection of human rights during armed conflict. The appeals from IPI extend beyond seeking justice for Roshchina alone-they represent a broader struggle for press freedom and the safety of journalists in Ukraine and other regions where they face persecution.