Dniprorudne Mayor Yevhen Matvieiev Dies in Captivity

Yevhen Matvieiev, the mayor of the occupied town of Dniprorudne, died in Russian captivity after enduring two years and eight months of torture, as reported by Ivan Fedorov, head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration. Matvieiev was abducted in March 2022 following the Russian occupation of Dniprorudne and was known for his dedication to his community, remaining active in supporting residents during the occupation. His body was recently returned to Ukraine during a prisoner exchange. Human rights organizations report that many Ukrainians, including civilians and service members, face severe abuses while in Russian detention, with thousands still held captive. The ongoing war has led to widespread kidnappings and torture, with the Ukrainian government highlighting the loss of lives amid these atrocities. Additionally, reports suggest that other Ukrainian officials, such as the mayor of Kherson, are also unaccounted for, highlighting the continued plight of political figures in occupied territories.