All articles tagged with #mariupol
Azov Corps released footage of Ukrainian reconnaissance and strike drones patrolling Mariupol, signaling a return to the city from the air and promising deeper drone activity to disrupt Russian logistics, with drones reportedly patrolling roads up to 160 km behind the front line.
Ukrainian drones struck a Russian FSB command post in occupied Donetsk, killing 12 officers, as Kyiv Independent’s weekly update on occupied Ukraine reports seven torture chambers for Zaporizhzhia staff, the return of over 2,100 abducted Ukrainian children, Russia’s population-replacement housing scheme in Mariupol with about 75% of new buyers Russians, ongoing mass graves destruction near Mariupol, intensified coastal mining in Crimea, and rising Telegram outages hindering communication with occupied areas.
Russia has reopened the historic Mariupol Drama Theater after more than three years, following its destruction during the 2022 siege that killed civilians and symbolized the city's devastation. The reopening, marked by a performance in St. Petersburg, has been condemned by Ukrainian authorities as an attempt at Russification and concealment of war crimes.
The Mariupol Drama Theatre, heavily damaged during the 2022 Russian siege of Mariupol, has been reopened after extensive redevelopment, symbolizing Russian efforts to restore and promote the city amidst ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Ukrainian residents of Mariupol deny Russian propaganda about the city being repaired and thriving, describing ongoing destruction, shortages of water, food, and medicine, and the use of propaganda and re-education in schools. Despite hardships, some residents engage in secret resistance activities against Russian occupation, risking their lives to gather intelligence and maintain Ukrainian identity. The residents emphasize their desire for liberation rather than territorial concessions.
A retired Russian commander, Zaur Gurtsiev, who led airstrikes on Mariupol, died in an explosion in Stavropol, Russia. The cause of the blast is unclear, with Ukraine's involvement not ruled out. Gurtsiev was a decorated veteran and served as Stavropol's deputy mayor. His death follows a series of high-profile Russian military casualties since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
A former Russian air commander involved in the Mariupol siege was killed in a bomb attack in Stavropol, with authorities investigating it as a possible act of terrorism linked to Ukrainian Nazis, and the incident resulting in two deaths including Gurtsiyev, who later became Stavropol's deputy mayor.
A 24-year-old Ukrainian policewoman, Maryana Checheliuk, has returned home after two years of severe mistreatment in Russian captivity. Captured during the siege of Mariupol's Azovstal steel works, she endured starvation, beatings, and abuse. Her health deteriorated significantly during her imprisonment. She was released in a prisoner exchange and reunited with her family, who had been anxiously awaiting her return.
Human Rights Watch, SITU Research, and Truth Hounds used interviews, videos, photos, and 3D models to reconstruct the devastation in Mariupol after Russian forces occupied the city. The assault resulted in extensive damage to buildings, schools, hospitals, and universities, with thousands killed and many more suffering due to lack of basic supplies and medical care. The evidence suggests potential war crimes, and those responsible, including high-level Russian officials, should be held accountable. The psychological effects of the fighting and displacement will continue to impact Mariupol's residents for years to come.
The documentary "20 Days In Mariupol," chronicling the Russian invasion of Mariupol and made by journalists who escaped the city, has been nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Documentary Feature Film category. The film provides a unique chronicle of the early days of the invasion, depicting the destruction and suffering endured by Ukrainian citizens as Russian forces took control of the city. The 96th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 10 in Los Angeles.
Ukraine and Russia have conducted the largest prisoner swap since the war began, exchanging over 200 soldiers each, facilitated by the UAE. Ukrainian President Zelenskiy confirmed the return of soldiers, including those who fought in Mariupol and Azovstal. Russia's defense ministry acknowledged the swap, citing complex negotiations. The exchange occurs amidst ongoing Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian cities and increased Ukrainian attacks on the Russian city of Belgorod. Human rights concerns persist over the treatment of PoWs, with reports of mistreatment and sham trials.
The AP and Frontline documentary, "20 Days in Mariupol," provides a harrowing and intimate look at the Russian siege of the Ukrainian city. The film captures the chaos, confusion, and isolation experienced by the residents as they confront the brutality of war. The documentary raises questions about the motivations behind such conflicts and the impact of war coverage on public opinion and policy. Despite the difficulty of watching, the film serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of humanity and the importance of documenting and remembering the horrors of war.
Bohdan Yermokhin, a Ukrainian teenager who was taken to Russia from the occupied city of Mariupol during the war, has returned to Ukraine with the help of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and international organizations. Yermokhin, who had been placed in a foster family near Moscow, appealed for assistance in returning to Ukraine and successfully crossed the border from Belarus. Ukraine claims that 20,000 children have been illegally transferred to Russia since the invasion, with some being put up for adoption, while Russia denies these allegations. Yermokhin's return highlights the ongoing issue of child deportation and the efforts to reunite them with their families.
The documentary film "20 Days in Mariupol" chronicles the first three weeks of the Russian siege on the Ukrainian city, capturing the atrocities and suffering of the residents. The film's director, Mstyslav Chernov, emphasizes the importance of impartial journalism and the duty to give attention to innocent victims. He warns against the polarization of media coverage and the danger of indifference towards human tragedy. Chernov believes it is crucial to engage more people and preserve the memory of these events for future generations.
Mstyslav Chernov, a video journalist with the Associated Press, and his team stayed behind in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol during the Russian invasion in February 2022, capturing footage that would later win them a Pulitzer Prize. Their documentary, "20 Days in Mariupol," aims to show the chaos and suffering experienced by the trapped civilians. Chernov recounts the destruction and the difficult choices people faced in the war zone, highlighting the impact on civilians and the targeting of non-military objects. Despite the dangers, the team felt compelled to document the events for future war crimes investigations and the history of Ukraine.