Ukrainian Mayor Yevhen Matveyev of Dniprorudne has been found dead in Russian captivity, nearly two years and eight months after being abducted by Russian forces. On Wednesday, Ukrainian Governor Ivan Fedorov announced via Telegram that Matveyev’s body had recently been returned to Ukraine, along with the remains of other soldiers exchanged in a prisoner swap.
Russian forces kidnapped Matveyev in late February 2022 following the occupation of the Dniprorudne area. Fedorov stated that the mayor endured torture during his 32 months in captivity. Despite the brutal conditions, Matveyev remained dedicated to his community, continuing to provide vital updates on the conflict and offering support to residents throughout the occupation.
Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba had previously addressed the abduction on March 13, 2022. The Ukrainian Center for Civil Liberties described Matveyev as a symbol of courage, noting that he had stood alongside his fellow citizens in resisting Russian advances, even as Russian tanks rolled through his community.
On Friday, Ukraine received the remains of 502 soldiers who had been killed in action along the frontlines in Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia. Matveyev’s body was reportedly among those repatriated, according to Ukrainska Pravda.
The death of Matveyev serves as a powerful reminder of the brutal realities of the ongoing war in Ukraine, highlighting the immense sacrifices made by local leaders and civilians caught in the conflict.
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