At the end of this year, Russians in temporarily occupied Mariupol plan to open the city's Drama Theatre, which they themselves destroyed with two air bombs in March 2022.

Source: Mariupol City Council

Details: At the time of the Russian airstrikes on the theatre in March 2022, hundreds of Ukrainians were killed in the building, which had the word "children" written in large letters outside to warn pilots of civilians sheltering inside.

The opening of the theatre is scheduled for December, according to the Mariupol City Council.

"The occupiers claim that the 'restoration' of the theatre is nearing completion. The place that became one of the sites of Russia's most horrific war crimes is now being turned into a venue for Russian performances and concerts," the council said.

City officials added that after the deadly airstrike, the Russians fenced off the theatre's grounds to conceal the clearing of rubble containing bodies and to prevent evidence of their crimes from being documented.

Background:

• On 16 March 2022, Russian forces dropped two 500-kilogram air bombs on the Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was serving as a shelter for hundreds of civilians.
• The word "children" was clearly marked in large letters in front and behind the building, visible from the air.
• Later, the Russians dismantled the theatre, leaving only the front façade as the "basis for reconstruction".
• In August 2025, Russian authorities claimed to have completed the external repairs and moved on to the interior finishing works, announcing that the first performance would take place by the end of the year.

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