“There is a high probability that journalist Victoria Roshchina was tortured,” Prosecutor General’s Office

On April 24, the Prosecutor General’s Office held a briefing, during which details were revealed regarding the death of Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshchina in russian captivity.

This was reported by Slidstvo.Info.

The body of journalist Victoria Roshchina, who died in russian captivity, was returned to Ukraine.

“On February 28, 2025, during an examination of the bodies, a tag was found on one of them, on which the surname Roshchina was written. A molecular examination was ordered, during which it was identified that this body belonged to Roshchina,” said Yurii Belousov, the head of the War Department of the Prosecutor General’s Office.

The prosecutor added that “during the molecular examination, DNA samples were taken from Victoria‘s parents. Based on the results of this examination, the expert concluded with a probability of over 99% that the body belongs to Victoria.”

Yurii Belousov also reported that due to the condition of the journalist’s body, it was not possible to establish the cause of death: “Due to the condition of the body… and due to mummification, according to the results of the forensic medical examination, it was not possible to establish the cause of death. Therefore, samples were taken, and the issue is currently being resolved with the participation of French experts to conduct an additional forensic medical examination to establish the cause of death.”

According to Belousov, numerous signs of torture were found on the body of Victoria Roshchina.

“At the same time, numerous signs of torture and cruel treatment were found on the victim’s body, in particular, abrasions and hemorrhages on various parts of the body, a broken rib. And the experts also saw possible signs of the use of electric current. This information will also be clarified during the additional forensic medical examination,” Belousov says.

During the investigation, prosecutors operate on the fact that the body had already been delivered during the exchange. According to Belousov, death definitely occurred while she was in the territory controlled by the russian federation.

“The injuries were inflicted during her lifetime. Therefore, there is a high probability that she (Victoria Roshchina, — ed.) was tortured. Regarding the causes of death, date, place, and persons involved, information is being established,” Belousov added.

Earlier, we reported that according to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, a well-known Ukrainian journalist died in russian captivity. We also reported that Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshchina was captured by russian forces in August 2023. At first, the girl was held in torture chambers in the occupied territories and then imprisoned in Taganrog Pre-trial Detention Center No. 2. All this time, Victoria was not charged with any crimes.

The National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) calls for an immediate and thorough international investigation into the russian captivity and circumstances of the death of Victoria Roshchina. In addition, we call on the international community to increase pressure on russia to secure the release of all Ukrainian journalists illegally detained by the occupiers.