October 10, 2024 — The International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) is devastated to learn that Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshchyna, a 2022 Courage in Journalism Award recipient, has died while imprisoned in Russia. As details emerge surrounding the circumstances of her death, our thoughts are with Victoria’s family, colleagues, and loved ones during this immensely difficult time.
Victoria disappeared on August 3, 2023 while reporting in Russian-occupied territory, when it is believed she was captured by Russian military forces. Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed her detention in April 2024, nearly eight months later. Prior to her imprisonment, Victoria spent more than a year reporting from the front lines of Russia’s war on Ukraine as an independent journalist for outlets including Ukrayinska Pravda, Hromadske and Radio Free Europe.
Victoria’s passing is not just the loss of a remarkable woman, but of an intrepid witness to history. Regardless of her cause of death, we can say with certainty that her life was taken because she dared tell the truth. We hope her death will not be in vain: the international community must pressure Russia to cease targeting journalists and silencing press freedom.
