Honour bestowed upon slain journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna posthumously for her courageous acts in Russian detention, receiving the Oxi Courage Award.
In a poignant ceremony held in Kyiv in August 2025, the life and work of Viktoriia Roshchyna, a courageous Ukrainian journalist, were celebrated. Roshchyna, who was just 27 years old when she was killed, had dedicated her life to reporting on the realities of life under Russian occupation and exposing war crimes and violations of humanitarian law.
Roshchyna's tragic journey began in August 2023 when she disappeared while reporting from Russian-occupied territory. It was not until May 2024 that Russia admitted to having detained her. In the following months, there was a prolonged delay in the return of her body, which was only repatriated in February 2025.
According to the Office of the Prosecutor General, Roshchyna's body showed multiple signs of torture and cruel treatment. An investigative team confirmed that the body had been brought to Ukraine after an autopsy conducted in Russia. The Office reclassified the criminal case connected to Roshchyna's disappearance as a war crime combined with premeditated murder.
Roshchyna's bravery and commitment to truth were recognised both nationally and internationally. In March 2025, she was named a laureate of the Czech human rights prize Homo Homini. In October 2024, she was posthumously honoured with the American Oxi Courage Award. This prestigious award is presented annually to individuals who have shown exceptional bravery, resolve, and courage in the face of adversity. Past laureates include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, NGO Save Ukraine, and singer Ruslana Lyzhychko.
The Oxi Day Foundation, which presents the Oxi Courage Award, recognised Roshchyna's heroism. In a statement, they said, "Viktoriia Roshchyna's work was a beacon of truth in a time of darkness. Her courage in the face of adversity is an inspiration to us all."
In a moving gesture, Roshchyna was also posthumously honoured by the United Nations in 2025 for her heroic actions.
Viktoriia Roshchyna's funeral was held in Kyiv in August 2025. Despite the tragic circumstances, her spirit lived on, inspiring countless others to continue the fight for truth and justice. Her legacy will forever be a testament to the power of journalism and the indomitable human spirit.
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