A disturbing case of wartime brutality has emerged involving a 27-year-old Ukrainian journalist who disappeared in Russian-occupied territories in 2023.

According to the New York Post, Victoria Roshchyna's body was returned to Ukraine in February with her brain, eyes, and larynx removed, likely in an attempt to conceal evidence of torture during her captivity.

Russian authorities only acknowledged detaining Roshchyna nine months after her disappearance in August 2023. She was initially held at a penal colony in Berdyansk, eastern Ukraine, before being transferred to a pre-trial detention center in Taganrog, Russia, where she ultimately met her death during transportation to Moscow.

Disturbing evidence points to systematic torture

The investigation by Forbidden Stories, published Tuesday, revealed numerous signs of physical abuse on Roshchyna's remains. Ukrainian war crimes prosecutors discovered abrasions, hemorrhages, and a broken rib, along with possible evidence of electric shock torture. A significant neck bruise suggested potential strangulation as a contributing factor to her death.

The body's condition raised immediate red flags when it was returned among 757 other Ukrainian remains. Roshchyna's remains were notably smaller and lighter than others and mysteriously labeled as an "unidentified male." Russian documentation included an unusual marking "SPAS," possibly indicating "total arterial damage to the heart."

The mummified state of the remains has complicated efforts to determine the exact cause of death. Ukraine's Office of the Prosecutor General has ordered additional forensic testing, while Roshchyna's father has requested international examinations to uncover the full extent of her injuries.

Award-winning journalist's previous Russian detention

Roshchyna had established herself as a respected journalist, contributing to various Ukrainian outlets and Radio Free Europe. Her commitment to reporting earned her the International Women's Media Foundation's 2022 Courage in Journalism Award following her first detention by Russian forces in March 2022.

During that initial 10-day captivity in the early stages of the war, Roshchyna demonstrated remarkable resilience. Her subsequent kidnapping in August 2023 marked the beginning of a much darker chapter that would ultimately end in her death.

Russian authorities' delayed acknowledgment of her detention raised serious concerns among international press freedom organizations. The confirmation only came in May 2024, leaving her family and colleagues in anguish for nearly a year.

Brutal conditions in Russian detention facilities

The penal colony in Berdyansk, where Roshchyna was initially held, has gained notoriety as one of Russia's harshest facilities for Ukrainian prisoners. The Media Initiative for Human Rights has documented numerous cases of severe mistreatment and torture at this location.

The decision to transfer Roshchyna to Taganrog, just across the Russian border, followed a pattern observed in other cases of detained Ukrainian civilians. The proximity to Russian territory often complicates international monitoring efforts and makes it harder for families to maintain contact with detainees.

The circumstances surrounding her death during her transfer to Moscow remain unclear, with Russian authorities providing minimal information about the incident.

Final investigation reveals extent of brutality

Yuriy Belousov, head of the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office's war crimes department, provided details of the post-mortem examination:

The body showed obvious signs of torture, including abrasions, hemorrhages, a broken rib, and possible evidence of electric shocks. The bruise on her neck possibly pointed to strangulation.

The removal of vital organs, including the brain, eyes, and larynx, suggests a deliberate attempt to obscure evidence of torture and the true cause of death. This gruesome discovery has prompted calls for an international investigation into potential war crimes.

Lessons to Learn From This Tragedy

1. Awareness and Preparedness: Journalists working in conflict zones should have comprehensive safety training and access to emergency protocols.

2. Collective Action: Media organizations and governments must work together to ensure journalists' safety and press for their rights in conflict regions.

3. Legal and Support Framework: Enhancing legal protection for journalists internationally can deter such incidents.

While preventive measures are crucial, it is essential to remember that crime can occur under any circumstances, and victims should never be blamed.

Why This Story Matters

This incident is not just a tragic narrative of a journalist's death; it illustrates the severe risks faced by media workers in conflict zones and underscores the need for international standards to protect journalists. The global community must maintain awareness and push for accountability in such cases to safeguard freedom of expression and information.

Justice sought for Victoria Roshchyna

Victoria Roshchyna, a courageous 27-year-old Ukrainian journalist, was kidnapped by Russian forces in August 2023 while reporting from occupied territories. Her mutilated remains were returned to Ukraine in February 2025, showing clear signs of torture, including missing organs, broken bones, and evidence of electric shocks.

The investigation into her death continues as Ukrainian authorities and her family seek additional forensic testing, including international examinations. The case has drawn attention to the broader pattern of violence against journalists in Russian-occupied territories and the need for accountability in cases of wartime atrocities.