The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) today joins the widespread global outcry regarding the circumstances surrounding the death of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna.
Viktoriia was a remarkable journalist, reporting for Ukrayinska Pravda, Hromadske and Radio Free Europe. She routinely travelled to front-line areas of the war, fearlessly documenting and raising awareness of life under Russian occupation, and the experiences of Ukrainian defenders.
Viktoriia disappeared on 3 August 2023, and on 10 October 2024 Ukrainian officials confirmed she died as a Russian Prisoner of War. Reporting released today as part of The Viktoriia Project, a collaboration of 45 journalists led by Forbidden Stories, reconstructed her final months.
Kateryna Argyrou, Chair of the AFUO, said Viktoriia’s courage cannot be forgotten.
“Viktoriia was tortured, mutilated and murdered while doing her job. The reporting today shines a light on how Viktoriia was treated, and the vicious brutality that occurs within Russian detainment camps. The world should be outraged.” said Ms Argyrou.
“Human rights violations are a staple of the Russian invasion. We cannot allow such blatant war crimes to be committed, or go unpunished. Accountability for these crimes is essential — for Viktoriia and for all Ukrainians.”
Max, a Ukrainian defender and previous Russian Prisoner of War who is currently undergoing rehabilitation in Sydney, said torture was a common part of life in detainment camps, such as the ones Viktoriia would have likely been kept in.
“Over the two and a half years I spent in Russian captivity, I saw and experienced intense physical torture and emotional abuse every day,” said Max.
“The physical scars heal, but memories of horrific things I experienced — like being forced to dig up civilian graves in occupied Mariupol — will never leave me.”
Ms Argyrou says: “This should be a reminder of Russia’s brutality, and a call to action for Western allies to continue supporting Ukraine in its battle for sovereignty and freedom. The only way to peace is through strength, not appeasement.”
“As these horrific details continue to emerge, our thoughts are with Viktoriia’s family, her colleagues and loved ones during this difficult time. We will remember her courage and her contributions,” said Ms Argyrou.
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