Russia has yet to return the body of Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshchyna, who died in Russian captivity, to her family, Ukrainian deputy Yaroslav Yurchyshyn stated during a briefing, reported Ukrinform.
During the ongoing war, Russian forces have systematically targeted Ukrainian journalists. Since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, there have been over 637 documented crimes against media workers, including killings, kidnappings, and attacks on media facilities. Reports indicate that at least 88 media workers have been killed, while many others face threats and censorship. As the war continues, the safety and freedom of Ukrainian journalists remain under severe threat from Russian aggression.
According to the Ukrainian deputy, Russia has not even provided the journalist’s father with additional official confirmation of her death.
“Russia is delaying the transfer of Victoria’s body to Ukraine. We cannot hold a funeral or obtain specific information,” Yurchyshyn said.
The 27-year-old journalist had been reporting on Russia’s all-out war against Ukraine, particularly the siege of Mariupol. Last summer, she traveled to occupied territories in eastern Ukraine and subsequently lost contact.
In April of this year, Roshchyna’s father received a letter from the Russian government stating that she was being held in custody.
On October 10, Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported her death, stating that it occurred during her transfer from Taganrog to Moscow.
Ukrainian intelligence noted they had been working on securing Roshchyna’s release and had reached “preliminary agreements” on the matter.
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