'Restored' drama theatre opened in occupied Mariupol on site of Russian air strike
In Mariupol, occupied by Russia since 2022, a drama theatre reopened on 28 December after a so-called restoration. The building was destroyed by a Russian air strike on 16 March 2022, when civilians were hiding in it. This is reported by The Public with reference to DW.
The occupation administration organised a solemn ceremony with a concert featuring artists from Mariupol and St Petersburg. According to Russian media, a crystal chandelier weighing about 2.5 tonnes was installed in the restored hall, and marble stairs and columns were restored.
The head of the occupation authorities of Donetsk region, Denis Pushilin, announced the alleged restoration of the theatre's historical appearance and its provision with modern equipment. St Petersburg was actively involved in the project, sending builders and architects to Mariupol. The city's governor, Alexander Beglov, called the reconstruction a matter of honour.
At the same time, the Mariupol City Council sharply criticised the opening, calling it «singing and dancing on bones». The city council stressed that the so-called restoration is an attempt to hide Russia's war crime. According to Ukrainian data, about 600 people could have died in the theatre, and about 400 others were injured. The exact number of victims cannot be established due to the occupation.
Amnesty International was able to confirm at least 12 deaths, while noting that the real losses are much higher. During the reconstruction, the basements, where human remains could have been left, were completely filled with concrete.
The Ukrainian side considers the opening of the theatre an element of aggressive Russification and an attempt to erase the memory of one of the most tragic pages of the siege of Mariupol.
A drama theatre in Mariupol after a Russian air strike Photo by Pavel Klimov REUTERS
