Ukrainian Journalist Dies in Russian Detention

Facts

• Victoria Roshchyna, an award-winning Ukrainian journalist who wrote first-hand accounts about life in Russian-occupied regions, died while in Russian custody, a letter received by her family confirmed this week.^[1][2]
• Roshchyna's family received the letter from Russia's Ministry of Defense on Thursday, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Without specifying any additional details, RSF said the ministry confirmed the death took place on Sept. 19.^[2]
• The media freedom organization further stated she was the 13th journalist who died as a result of reporting on the Russian invasion and had been one of 20 Ukrainian journalists detained by Russia in the course of the war.^[2]
• Roshchyna was 27 years old. She worked freelance for Ukrainian media outlets Ukrainska Pravda and Hromadske Radio, in addition to the US-funded Radio Liberty.^[1]
• According to her family, she was last heard from on Aug. 3, 2023, having returned to Russian-occupied parts of eastern Ukraine for further reporting days earlier.^[3]
• Andriy Yusov of Ukraine's Military Intelligence confirmed that Roshchyna had been scheduled to be part of an upcoming prisoner swap and that, according to the latest update received, she was being transferred from Taganrog, a Russian city near the Ukrainian border, to Moscow's Lefortovo detention center in preparation for her release.^[4]
• On Friday night, journalists who worked with Roshchyna spoke at a vigil for her in Kyiv's Independence Square. 'Read and remember Vika,' was the recurring message.^[5]

Sources: ^[1]Al Jazeera, ^[2]RSF, ^[3]The Daily Beast, ^[4]RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty and ^[5]Ukrainska Pravda.

Narratives

• Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by RSF. This is now the 13th journalist to die as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Russian officials never provided any information about Roshchyna's detention despite numerous requests from family, Ukrainian officials, and media organizations — that is unacceptable. They must shed light on all the circumstances surrounding her detention and death.
• Pro-Ukraine narrative, as provided by Ukrainska Pravda. Roshchyna was being held in solitary confinement in one of Russia's most brutal prisons, where the use of rubber batons and other torture techniques are notorious. There is no doubt she died in Russian hands, but a full investigation must be carried out to determine the nature of her death. Her murderers must be held to justice.
• Pro-Russia narrative, as provided by AA. Once again, the West's hypocrisy is on display for the world to see. It's quick to condemn any perceived human rights abuses committed by its adversaries but remains silent when its own hands, or those of its allies, are muddied. As Washington ignores the atrocities committed against Russian reporters and fuels Israel's war in Gaza — which has taken countless journalists' lives — it seems it only follows a moral compass when convenient.