Russian authorities in the occupied Ukrainian city of Mariupol have begun demolition of much of the theater damaged during the offensive war. According to Ukrainian sources, an airstrike in March killed hundreds of civilians seeking protection from Russian bombs in the building. The culture minister accused Moscow of “wanting to cover up the traces of their crimes”.
The demolition of large parts of the building has been documented in videos recently posted on the platforms of both warring factions. The facade remained untouched.
Culture Minister: Occupiers are indifferent to cultural heritage
“The Mariupol Theater no longer exists,” Ukrainian Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko wrote on Facebook. “The occupiers are covering up the traces of their crimes and they don’t care if it is part of the cultural heritage.”
Theater director promises reconstruction at the end of 2024
Russia’s state news agency Tass, meanwhile, quoted the theater’s current director, Igor Solonin, as saying that the demolition will only affect those parts of the building that cannot be reconstructed. The renovation should be completed by the end of 2024.
Theater was marked with signs saying “Children”.
On March 16, during the early stages of Russia’s offensive war, Ukrainian civilians had taken refuge in the theater building, which was marked with large signs reading “Children.” Despite this, the building was destroyed by Russian bombs, which killed at least 300 people, according to Ukrainian sources. However, Russia denies deliberately targeting the theater.
Source: Krone
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