Victoria Rochtchyna, journalist tortured to death by Russia

The remains of Victoria Rochtchyna, Ukrainian journalist tortured in Russian captivity, was rendered, testifying to the atrocities committed.

Stefan Schock, Vienne / CH Media

Victoria Rochtchyna grew up in Zaporijjia in the 1990s – she only knew the Soviet Union through stories. She was twelve years old when the orange revolution broke out. The war started when she was 18 years old in 2014. And in September 2024, she died, she was 27 years old. The exact date of his death is difficult to determine with precision, because it was then in captivity in Russia.

Viktoria Roshchyna was not a soldier. He was a journalist awarded several times. Russia has now given its body to Ukraine. He misses his eyes, part of the brain and the larynx.

In July 2023, Rochtchyna decided to tell the living conditions under the Russian occupation. As there is no possibility of crossing the front line inside Ukraine, it has traveled via the Baltic countries. In her latest message to her family, she said she passed all Russian controls. It was August 3, 2023, after which its trace flew. It was not until April 2024 that there was an official confirmation of his incarceration. No reason has been given.

Electrochocs, missing blows and organs

She knew the risks. She had previously covered for many Ukrainian media in conflict zones, notably Marioupol, and had already been arrested twice by the Russian forces, before being questioned. The first time, she had been able to escape. The second, she had been forced to record a video.

Everything indicates that Viktoria Rochchtchyna was subjected to heavy tortures during her detention. The forensic doctors having examined his body, recently given, have noted many traces of abuse, suggesting the use of electroshock and blows. One of his ribs was broken. The absence of his eyes, his larynx, parts of his brain and other organs is also interpreted as an attempt to erase evidence.

According to several sources, Viktoria Rochchtchyna was to be released in late 2024 as part of an exchange of prisoners. She would have been transported to Moscow, but would have died on the way.

Translated and adapted from German by Léa Krejci

The remains of Victoria Rochtchyna, Ukrainian journalist tortured in Russian captivity, was rendered, testifying to the atrocities committed.

Victoria Rochtchyna grew up in Zaporijjia in the 1990s – she only knew the Soviet Union through stories. She was twelve years old when the orange revolution broke out. The war started when she was 18 years old in 2014. And in September 2024, she died, she was 27 years old. The exact date of his death is difficult to determine with precision, because it was then in captivity in Russia.