The body of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roschyna, who died in Russian captivity, was delivered to Ukraine with clear signs of violent death and traces of dissection. According to experts, numerous wounds, signs of torture, and the absence of several internal organs were found on the body.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Investigation details and condition of the body
According to information published in an article by Ukrainska Pravda, which is part of the international project Viktoriia Project, specialized in seeking justice for slain journalists, traces of brutal torture were found on Roschyna’s body. Yurii Biełousov, head of the War Department of the Prosecutor General’s Office, reported that experts documented abrasions, bruises, broken ribs, and signs of electric shock.
“Numerous signs of torture and cruel treatment were found on Roschyna’s body, including abrasions and bruises on various parts of the body, and a broken rib. Experts also observed possible signs of electric shock.”
Investigators confirmed that the body was delivered to Ukraine with signs of dissection that had been performed on Russian territory. Sources from the security services added that the brain, eyeballs, and part of the trachea had been removed from the body, indicating deliberate actions to conceal the cause of death, including possible strangulation.
International involvement and details of the death
Thirteen international media organizations, including Forbidden Stories, The Guardian, The Washington Post, Le Monde, and others, have joined the investigation. Following a prisoner exchange on February 14, 2025, Ukraine returned the bodies of 757 fallen defenders, among which body number 757 was quickly identified as Viktoriia Roschyna.
A pathologist confirmed that it was indeed her, as the DNA matched 99%. It is important to note that due to the state of mummification and damage, experts were unable to determine the definitive cause of death. At the same time, according to experts, the absence of internal organs may indicate attempts by the Russians to conceal the fact of strangulation.
Earlier, Viktoriia Roschyna was detained by Russian military forces in Berdiansk in March 2022 while covering life in temporarily occupied territories. After a brief release, she returned to the occupied regions in July 2023. She lost contact on August 3, 2023, and her father reported that she was captured by Russian forces while crossing the border through Poland.
Viktoriia Roschyna actively collaborated with Radio Free Europe, Ukrainska Pravda, and several other Ukrainian and international media outlets, covering the situation in temporarily occupied territories and the lives of people under Russian occupation.