Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna dies in Russian captivity, raising fears of torture and mistreatment. Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, who Russian forces had held since August 2023, has died under unclear circumstances, Ukrainian officials have confirmed. Roshchyna was detained twice during the Russian invasion—first in March 2022, and again in August 2023. Her fate remained uncertain for months, with Russian authorities only acknowledging her detention in early 2024. She was reportedly held in the notorious Taganrog detention centre, infamous for its brutal treatment of Ukrainian prisoners, including those from Azovstal. Russian officials claim she died on 19 September 2024, though the exact circumstances of her death remain undisclosed, raising serious concerns over possible torture or mistreatment. The Kremlin has promised to return her body to Ukraine in a prisoner exchange, though further details are yet to be clarified by Ukrainian authorities, including Tetiana Katrychenko. Ukrainian journalists and media workers believe that Viktoria Roshchyna’s death was either “the result of deliberate killing” or “a consequence of mistreatment and violence” during her captivity. They emphasised that Roshchyna, held by Russians for over a year, had been physically healthy beforehand, according to a statement released by Hromadske, where she once worked.
Germany announces €600 million military aid package for Ukraine as winter approaches. On 11 October 2024, Germany unveiled a significant military aid package for Ukraine, valued at €600 million. The package includes air defence systems, tanks, howitzers, and drones. Chancellor Olaf Scholz stressed the importance of strengthening Ukraine’s air defences as Russia continues to target critical infrastructure, particularly with winter approaching. He also alluded to a future aid package worth €1.4 billion, reaffirming Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine as the war enters its third winter. This aid forms part of a wider initiative to safeguard Ukraine’s power grid and other essential infrastructure from Russian missile and drone strikes, according to a press conference from the Office of the Ukrainian President.
Zelensky at Croatia summit: NATO membership is Ukraine’s path to victory. At a recent summit in Croatia, President Volodymyr Zelensky underscored that Ukraine’s accession to NATO is the cornerstone of his “victory plan.” He argued that Ukraine’s integration into the alliance would provide the geopolitical certainty needed to secure lasting peace in Europe and deter future Russian aggression. Zelensky expressed optimism that decisive actions by Ukraine’s allies could create the conditions for ending the war on favourable terms by 2025. He stressed that Russia’s acceptance of Ukraine’s NATO membership and Europe’s established borders would mark a decisive defeat for President Putin’s ambitions. The speech highlights Zelensky’s determination to solidify Ukraine’s role within the international community, according to European Pravda.
