The body of 27-year-old Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna has been confirmed dead after being returned from Russian captivity in a disturbing state. Her remains were repatriated to Kyiv in February, months after she disappeared in August 2023 while reporting on alleged illegal detention centres in Russian-controlled territories. DNA testing was required to identify the body, which was mislabelled as an “unidentified male” during a prisoner exchange with Russia.
An international investigation has since revealed shocking details. Forensic experts found that her eyes, brain, and part of her throat had been removed. Her head was shaved, her neck was bruised, and a tag bearing her surname had been tied to her shin. Officials also reported severe burns on her feet, a broken rib, and indications of possible electric shock. These findings suggest she was subjected to extreme torture.
Ukrainian authorities did not make her death public until April 24. Roshchyna was previously detained at Taganrog SIZO-2, a Russian prison often likened to Guantanamo Bay due to its harsh conditions. Sources say she was transferred there in a critical state after being held in Enerhodar and Melitopol. It was later revealed that she had been kept incommunicado throughout her detention—a violation of international human rights standards.
Before her death, she reportedly told another detainee that she rejected a deal offered by a Russian serviceman, insisting on staying true to her principles. On October 10, her father, Volodymyr Roshchyn, received a letter from Russian authorities confirming her death but offering no explanation. Despite this, he continued to hope for her survival until her mutilated body was identified.
Roshchyna’s death marks the first confirmed killing of a Ukrainian journalist in Russian custody. Investigations by Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office are ongoing.
