Ivan Fedorov, mayor of the Ukrainian metropolis of Melitopol, has been freed following his adduction by Russian forces final week, a number of Ukrainian officers introduced on Wednesday.

Kyrylo Tymoshenko, the deputy head of the Ukrainian Workplace of the President, stated in a Telegram message that an operation to free Fedorov had been "efficiently accomplished." He added that Fedorov will "quickly return to his duties" as mayor.

The Ministry of Overseas Affairs of Ukraine reported that Fedorov was kidnapped by Russian forces on March 11. In a press release, the ministry referred to as his seize "a conflict crime below the Geneva Conventions." In a collection of tweets, Ukraine's parliament detailed Fedorov's seize, claiming he was taken by a bunch of about 10 individuals who put a plastic bag over his head.

Tymoshenko posted a video on Telegram of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky chatting with Fedorov. The president tells the grateful mayor that he is "comfortable that we acquired you again."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday advised lately freed Melitopol Mayor Ivan Fedorov that he is "comfortable that we acquired you again." Above, Zelensky at a press convention at his official residence on the Maryinsky Palace on March 3, 2022, in Kyiv, Ukraine.Getty

Information of Fedorov's launch was additionally celebrated on social media platforms by Andriy Yermak, head of the Presidential Administration, in addition to Ukrainian diplomat Olexander Scherba and Parliament member Rustem Umerov.

Scherba additionally shared the video of Zelensky talking with Fedorov on Twitter.


Additionally on Twitter, Umerov named three different Russian officers that he stated stay captured: Yevhen Matveyev (mayor of Dniprorudne), Yuriy Prylypko (head of the Hostomel neighborhood) and Serhiy Priyma (head of the Melitopol District Council).

Earlier Wednesday, Zelensky addressed the U.S. Congress in a video message whereas Russian forces intensified assaults on Kyiv. Throughout his attraction to lawmakers, Zelensky referred to as for additional help from the U.S., together with extra sanctions towards Russian President Vladimir Putin and for assist in implementing a no-fly zone over Ukraine.

Zelensky included a private plea to U.S. President Joe Biden on the conclusion of his speech.

"I want you to be the chief of the world," he stated. "Being the chief of the world means being the chief of peace."

Although Biden didn't comply with a no-fly zone following Zelensky's message, he did announce new shipments of provides to Ukraine, together with anti-aircraft and anti-armor techniques, ammunition and drones that Ukraine has additionally been requesting.

Additionally Wednesday, Ukraine and Russia have been reportedly getting nearer to agreeing on a 15-point peace plan that would come with a Russian troop withdrawal and cease-fire. Nonetheless, a senior adviser to Zelensky later stated on Twitter that the plan thus far solely contains Russia's calls for and never Ukraine's circumstances.

Newsweek reached out to Ukraine's Ministry of Overseas Affairs for remark however didn't hear again in time for publication.

Observe our dwell weblog for updates on the Russia-Ukraine battle.