Overview

• Yevhen Matvieiev, mayor of Dniprorudne in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region, was captured by Russian forces in March 2022 during the initial stages of the invasion.
• Ukrainian officials have confirmed that Matvieiev was tortured to death while in Russian custody, with his body returned as part of a recent exchange.
• Matvieiev remained in his city during the Russian occupation to provide aid and support to his community, earning him recognition as a dedicated and principled leader.
• Ukraine continues to report widespread human rights violations in Russian-controlled areas, including the detention and torture of civilians and local officials.
• The Ukrainian government has called for the release of other mayors and civilians still held in Russian captivity, emphasizing the ongoing humanitarian crisis.