**Ukrainian Mayor Tortured to Death in Russian Captivity**
A Ukrainian mayor has been found dead after being tortured by Russian forces. Yevhenii Matvieiev, the mayor of Dniprorudne, was taken captive during Russia’s early days of occupation in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
According to Ukraine‘s Zaporizhzhia Oblast Governor Ivan Fedorov, Matvieiev spent two years and eight months in captivity before his death. His body was returned to Ukraine as part of a prisoner exchange.
**Human Rights Abuses Continue**
Fedorov described the mayor as a true patriot who worked tirelessly for his community during the occupation. Russia’s continued occupation has been marked by widespread human rights abuses, including torture and murder of civilians.
Mass kidnappings were common in Russian-occupied territories early in the war, with up to 20,000 children being abducted.
**Ukraine Receives Support from West**
The Ukrainian Finance Ministry signed an agreement with the EU to attract up to $36.7 billion in aid as part of the G7 loan.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that security guarantees such as Ukraine’s NATO membership and deployment of international troops could be key to achieving long-term peace.
**Russia Continues Military Actions**
Ukrainian air defenses shot down 29 out of 50 Russian drones overnight, while 18 more were lost. One drone made it into occupied territory.
In other developments, a Chinese man was arrested for shipping weapons to North Korea from the US.
**Other News**
* Ukraine plans to establish nearly 200 mental health facilities.
* The BBC’s “100 Women 2024” list featured two Ukrainians, Olha Olefirenko and Olha Rudnieva.
* Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon reaffirmed her country’s support for Ukraine during the NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels.
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