Body of Ukrainian mayor who died in Russian captivity returned with signs of violent death

This was reported to the Radio Liberty media by the Zaporizhzhia Regional Prosecutor's Office.

It is known that the mayor died more than six months ago, as evidenced by a medical death certificate.

Law enforcement officers opened a criminal investigation into Matveev's death under the article on war crimes. The maximum possible sentence is life imprisonment. The forensic medical examination is ongoing.

The death of the mayor of Dniprorudne: what is known

The mayor of Dniprorudne was abducted by the occupying Russian forces in March 2022. Thus, Matveev was held captive by Russia for 2 years and 8 months.

On December 4, 2024, the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration reported that Russia had returned Matveev's body to Ukraine during the last exchange. They clarified that on 13 March 2022, the mayor of the town was informed by phone that the occupying Russian forces had detained a bus with employees of the Zaporizhzhia Iron Ore Plant's shift at a checkpoint. Matveev immediately went to the scene. The miners were released, but the mayor was taken prisoner.

Commenting on the news of Matveev's death, President Zelenskyy said that as of December 2024, at least 6 mayors and heads of Ukrainian communities were held in Russian captivity.