Posthumous Award for Courage: Victoria Roshchyna
The Oxi Courage Award has been awarded posthumously to Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshchyna, who was killed in Russian captivity.
Oksana Markarova, former Ukrainian ambassador to the USA, announced this on Facebook following a meeting with representatives of The Washington Oxi Day Foundation.
Markarova explained that the Oxi Day Foundation was established in 2011 to honor the heroism of the Greek people, who responded "Oxi" to Hitler's demand for surrender in 1940. Each year, the foundation recognizes individuals who demonstrate courage in today's world.
Previous recipients of the Oxi Courage Award include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the non-profit organization Save Ukraine, and the Euromaidan heroine Ruslana Lyzhychko. This year, the award is being posthumously granted to Victoria Roshchyna, who symbolizes the fight for truth.
Victoria went missing on August 3, 2023, in the territories occupied by Russia, where she was fulfilling her journalistic duties. In May 2024, Russia confirmed that she had been detained. On October 10, 2024, news of her death during a transfer from Taganrog to Moscow emerged.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, Victoria died on September 19. An investigation into her death has been initiated, leading to criminal charges related to violations of the laws of war and cruel treatment.
Forensic examination revealed numerous injuries on her body, indicating severe mistreatment. President Zelensky posthumously awarded her the Order of Freedom, and her funeral was held at Baikove Cemetery in Kyiv.
