17 March, 2022 – “The GPM is appeased to hear the news of the release of Ivan Fedorov, the Mayor of the city of Melitopol. However, Yevhen Matveyev, the Mayor of Dniprorudne is still in the hands of the Russian forces. The GPM strongly condemns the kidnapping and the detention. We reiterate our demand for its immediate and unconditional release. The cities of Melitopol and Dniprorudne have been active in organizing and supporting humanitarian aid for the suffering population, therefore the illegitimate detention of the Mayors is a bigger threat to humanity. The Mayor of Dniprorudne’s kidnapping and illegitimate detention represent acts contrary to the democratic values on which Ukraine is founded. The GPM stands with Ukraine, never as today, it has ever been more important to rally behind Ukrainian and European beliefs such as democracy and freedom”.
