Ukraine begins payments for the death and injury of journalists in the combat zone
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has decided to provide a one-time financial assistance in cases of death or injury of journalists while performing their professional duties. The first payment was received by the father of the deceased journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, who lost her life in captivity in Russia.
As reported by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, such payments are currently foreseen in the budget for 2026. This year, the first compensation of 302,800 hryvnias will be received by the family of Viktoria Roshchyna, who died while performing her duties, collecting evidence of Russian Federation crimes in the occupied territories of Ukraine.
Since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, the Ukrainian authorities have recorded the deaths of 21 journalists. These tragedies unite both Ukrainians and foreigners who worked in Ukraine. Payments will be made through the State Committee for Television and Radio, as part of the state scholarship program for information sector figures, assistance to children of deceased journalists, and awards in the information field.
According to government representatives, such payments were not previously conducted due to the absence of a normative base, which is currently being corrected. The decisions made serve as a restoration of justice for those who gave their lives, striving to convey the truth.
Viktoria Roshchyna disappeared in August 2023 in the territory occupied by Russia. It later became known that the journalist was held captive. In October 2024, it was reported that Roshchyna had died, and an investigation into her death was subsequently initiated. The district headquarters and the Prosecutor General’s Office confirmed that traces of torture were found on her body, which was one of the reasons for imposing sanctions against Russian individuals involved in the crimes against her.
| Indicator | Payment Amount |
|---|---|
| Current Year | 302,800 UAH |
| Budget 2026 | The amount will increase according to the rise in the living wage |
