**Abducted Mayor Dies in Russian Captivity**
Ivan Fedorov, head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration, has reported that Yevhen Matveiev, the mayor of the occupied Dniprorudne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, has died while being held captive by Russian forces. Matveiev was captured nearly three years ago.
**Russian Forces Hold Many Captives**
Many Ukrainian civilians, officials, and military personnel have been abducted by Russian forces during the ongoing invasion. These captives are often held in poor conditions, including makeshift detention centers, underground facilities, and former prisons. They face severe physical and psychological torture.
**Numbers of Abducted Ukrainians Revealed**
According to Human Rights in Ukraine, around 6,465 Ukrainian service members and at least 1,672 civilians are being held by Russian forces. The Defense Ministry says that at least 177 Ukrainian prisoners have died while in captivity.
**Mayor’s Story**
Matveiev was captured by Russian forces in February 2022. He remained in custody for over two years before his death. His body was returned to Ukraine during a recent prisoner exchange. Ivan Fedorov described Matveiev as a “true patriot” who worked tirelessly for the people of Dniprorudne.
**Human Cost of Conflict**
The report highlights the ongoing human cost of the conflict, with hundreds of civilians from Zaporizhzhia Oblast still being held captive by Russian forces. Recently, it was reported that Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna died during transportation.
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