President Volodymyr Zelensky enacted a new package of sanctions targeting dozens of Russian individuals and entities, including a judge linked to the case of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who died in Russian captivity after being detained in occupied Ukraine.
The sanctions were introduced on Friday through Presidential Decree No. 493/2026, which put into effect a decision adopted by Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council (RNBO) on Wednesday.
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According to the sanctions list published by the Office of the President, those targeted include Russian officials involved in the persecution of Ukrainian citizens and political repression in occupied territories.
Sanctions linked to Roshchyna case
Among those sanctioned is a Russian judge connected to proceedings involving Roshchyna, a freelance Ukrainian journalist who disappeared in August 2023 while reporting from Russian-occupied parts of the Zaporizhzhia region. Roshchyna was later confirmed to be held in Russian detention.
However, in October 2024, Russian authorities informed her family that she had died in captivity.
Subsequent investigations by Ukrainian and international media outlets revealed evidence that she had been subjected to severe abuse while detained.
According to testimony collected by journalists and human rights organizations, Roshchyna was allegedly tortured, including through electrocution, physical abuse and prolonged denial of medical care.
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A former cellmate said the journalist’s weight had dropped to about 30 kilograms (66 pounds) before her death.
Forensic examination
Earlier this year, Roshchyna’s body was returned to Ukraine as part of a prisoner exchange and identified through DNA testing.
A forensic examination later found what Ukrainian prosecutors described as numerous signs of torture and ill-treatment.
Investigators reported a broken rib, neck injuries and possible marks consistent with electric shocks.
A joint international media investigation published by Forbidden Stories and partner outlets also reported that several internal organs were missing when the body was returned, raising concerns that evidence of torture may have been deliberately concealed.
Roshchyna, who worked with Ukrainska Pravda, Hromadske, and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, became the first known Ukrainian journalist to die in Russian captivity since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Ukraine seeks wider international action
Under the decree, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has been instructed to inform the EU, the US, and other partner countries about the sanctions and encourage them to adopt similar measures.
The sanctions package was proposed by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and approved by the RNBO before being enacted by Zelensky.
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