Ukrainian Journalist Roshchyna Posthumously Awarded Order of Freedom

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has posthumously awarded journalist Viktoria Roshchyna the Order of Freedom in recognition of her civic courage and dedication to revealing the truth about the war. Roshchyna was detained twice by Russian forces, first in March 2022 and later in August 2023 when she disappeared in Russian-occupied territory while reporting. Russia only confirmed her captivity in May 2024, and she died in October 2024 while still in detention, despite being on prisoner exchange lists. Her body, returned to Ukraine in early 2025, bore multiple signs of torture and was missing some internal organs, likely to conceal the cause of death. Zelenskyy and Ukrainian officials have condemned the circumstances of her death, highlighting her bravery in working on the front lines and in occupied territories, and have called for justice. The award honors her unwavering belief that freedom will prevail and serves as a tribute to her sacrifice.