PACE urges Russia to release 26 detained Ukrainian journalists

October 1, 2026 at 05:47 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a resolution calling on Russia to immediately release Ukrainian journalists illegally detained in Russia and occupied Ukraine. The resolution names at least 26 media workers held on fabricated charges, with several whereabouts unknown. The Assembly expressed outrage over the death of journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, who died after more than a year in Russian detention.

Key Facts

PACE adopted a resolution naming at least 26 Ukrainian media workers deprived of liberty in Russia and occupied Ukraine.
The resolution states that detained journalists face fabricated charges, rights violations, and torture, with several whereabouts unknown.
PACE expressed outrage over the death of journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, who died after more than a year in Russian detention.
The International Press Institute reported 27 Ukrainian journalists were in Russian prisons as of August 2026.
PACE will hold its annual 'Victory for Viktoria' ceremony honoring war correspondents during its autumn session.

Detained Journalists

The PACE resolution names at least 26 media workers who have been deprived of their liberty in Russia and occupied parts of Ukraine. According to PACE, they face fabricated criminal charges, rights violations, and torture. The whereabouts of several of them are unknown, which the Assembly notes may constitute enforced disappearance under international law. The International Press Institute reported that 27 Ukrainian journalists were in Russian prisons in August 2026, many accused of terrorism and espionage. About half were detained after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and in some cases journalists were not formally charged.

Viktoria Roshchyna Case

The resolution expresses outrage over the fate of journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, who died under unknown circumstances after spending more than a year in detention in Russia. According to the document, Roshchyna was tortured. PACE will hold its annual event honoring war correspondents and journalists who risk their lives in conflict zones during its autumn session. The event has been named 'Victory for Viktoria' in honor of Viktoria Roshchyna.

International Pressure

The PACE resolution calls for an end to violations of international law against media workers and for the release of all journalists detained illegally. The International Press Institute is demanding an investigation into Viktoria Roshchyna's death in Russian custody and the release of 27 Ukrainian journalists. PACE has also urged states to establish legal mechanisms for using frozen Russian state assets to compensate Ukraine under European Court of Human Rights rulings.