Cause of Death of Dniprorudnyi Mayor Revealed: Blunt Force Injuries and Lung Damage in Russian Captivity

The cause of death of Yevhen Matveev, the mayor of the occupied Ukrainian city of Dniprorudne, has been officially confirmed by Ukrainian authorities. According to the Office of the Prosecutor General (OGP), Matveev died from severe blunt force injuries, multiple rib fractures, and lung damage while held in Russian custody.

The revelation sheds new light on the fate of the Ukrainian official, who was abducted by Russian forces in March 2022 and remained missing for more than two years. Matveev died on September 7, 2024, inside Detention Center No. 3 in Kizel, Perm Territory, Russia.

Official Findings on the Cause of Death

In a response to an inquiry from LIGA.net, the OGP stated that “death resulted from a closed blunt force trauma to the torso with multiple rib fractures, damage to the lungs, and pleural sheets.” These findings indicate Matveev suffered repeated physical assaults leading to fatal internal injuries.

The prosecutor’s office confirmed that, as of now, no individuals have been charged in connection with the death. The investigation remains ongoing and is being handled by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU). The findings support longstanding allegations that Ukrainian officials and civilians held by Russian forces face abuse and mistreatment in detention.

Matveev’s case highlights the grim realities faced by Ukrainian leaders in occupied territories. Known for his dedication to public service, he was repeatedly re-elected as mayor of Dniprorudne in the Vasylivskyi district of Zaporizhzhia Oblast. At the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Matveev stayed in his city, coordinating essential services and defense efforts.

Russian forces abducted Matveev at a checkpoint in March 2022. His whereabouts remained unknown for an extended period, and Ukrainian authorities and his family feared the worst. It was only at the end of 2024 that his body was returned to Ukraine under a repatriation agreement. He was laid to rest in Bucha, Kyiv region, in a ceremony attended by local officials and residents.

Broader Context and Implications

Matveev’s death underscores broader concerns about the treatment of Ukrainian prisoners in Russian detention facilities. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have documented numerous cases of torture, beatings, and inhumane conditions affecting Ukrainian civilians and officials captured in occupied regions.

The incident has intensified calls for accountability. Ukrainian prosecutors have launched war crimes investigations into the abuse of detainees and are cooperating with international bodies to document evidence of violations. The European Union and United Nations have both condemned Russia’s use of abductions and illegal detentions as part of its occupation strategy.

Matveev’s death has also deepened the sense of loss in Dniprorudne. Residents remember him as a dedicated leader who remained in the city during one of Ukraine’s darkest moments. “He was always there for the people, even when it meant risking his life,” one resident told Ukrainian media. His passing has become a symbol of the sacrifices made by local leaders resisting occupation.

The cause of death of Dniprorudnyi mayor Yevhen Matveev — blunt force trauma, multiple fractures, and lung injuries — paints a harrowing picture of the abuse endured by Ukrainian officials in Russian captivity. His death remains under investigation, as Ukraine pushes for justice and international accountability.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What was the cause of death of Dniprorudnyi mayor Yevhen Matveev?

He died from closed blunt force trauma with multiple rib fractures and lung damage while in Russian detention.

Q2: When and where did Yevhen Matveev die?

He died on September 7, 2024, at Detention Center No. 3 in Kizel, Perm Territory, Russia.

Q3: Was anyone charged in connection with his death?

No, as of now no suspects have been charged. The investigation is ongoing and led by Ukraine’s Security Service.

Q4: What happened to Matveev after his abduction?

Russian forces abducted him in March 2022 at a checkpoint. He was missing for over two years until his body was returned in late 2024.

Q5: Where was Yevhen Matveev buried?

He was buried in Bucha, Kyiv region, after his body was repatriated to Ukraine.