Title: Ukrainian Journalist Feared Captured by Russian Regime in Occupied Territory
A Ukrainian journalist renowned for her courageous coverage of the Russian invasion in 2022 has been missing for two months, sparking concerns that she may be in the custody of Putin’s regime. Victoria Roshchyna, a freelance reporter, was last heard from on August 3 while on assignment in Russian-occupied territory. The International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) has expressed deep apprehension for her safety, calling attention to the urgency of her situation.
Roshchyna’s family fears that she may be a prisoner without an official status, trapped in occupied territory and subjected to extreme conditions. The journalist’s father, Vladimir Roshchyn, described his daughter’s unwavering dedication to her profession, stating that journalism was her life’s most significant pursuit. Despite her family’s concerns, Roshchyna remained steadfast in reporting from the frontlines, driven by an insatiable desire to inform her readers about the war in the occupied territories.
Having ventured into Russian captivity twice earlier this year, Roshchyna’s fearless reporting earned her the prestigious 2022 Courage in Journalism Award from the IWMF. Her commitment to informing the public about the harsh realities faced by those living under siege was unwavering. However, her family’s concerns only intensified following her most recent trip, which commenced on July 27. They finally made contact with her on August 3, but she chose not to disclose her exact location.
On August 12, Ukrainian authorities were notified of her disappearance, and her family officially filed a missing person case on September 21. The Ukrainian Security Service confirmed that Roshchyna had been captured by Russia. The family’s lawyer, Yevgenia Kopalkyna, revealed that there are numerous cases of Ukrainian detainees in Russian jails without any official registration, making it incredibly difficult to locate them or provide legal assistance.
The esteemed Russian human rights activist and 2022 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Svetlana Gannushkina, expressed her concern for Roshchyna’s well-being. She reached out to Tatyana Moskalkova, Russia’s Commissioner for Human Rights, but has yet to receive a response. Gannushkina explained that the high volume of requests could result in delays of over a month for responses.
Roshchyna, who began her career with Hromadske media outlet, had no prior experience as a war correspondent before the Russian invasion. Despite the risks involved, she fearlessly and diligently documented the impacts of the conflict on the population. Numerous media workers have tragically lost their lives in Ukraine since the invasion, but Roshchyna remained resolute in carrying out her duty to report the truth.
The urgency surrounding Roshchyna’s disappearance has prompted her colleagues to break their silence and raise awareness. However, going public with her case could be viewed as a provocation by the captors, making her situation even more precarious. Russian journalist Anna Nemtsova, a friend and colleague of Roshchyna, emphasized the necessity of drawing attention to the situation, as it is hoped that increased awareness and pressure may mitigate potential harm.
As the search for Roshchyna continues, calls are growing louder for Ukrainian and Russian authorities to take immediate action. The international community stands united in their plea for Roshchyna’s safe return, acknowledging her bravery, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to exposing the truth.
Note: This article is for informative purposes only.
