How Russian Propaganda “Draws” Life in Captured Mariupol

On February 24, 2022, Russian troops launched a full-scale invasion of Ukrainian cities, many of which were occupied by the Russians and are under their control to this day. One of these cities is Mariupol in the Donetsk Oblast. Ukrainian troops tried to hold the city to the last, that is why the process of occupation was slow and bloody.

The Internet show the real picture of the city: residential buildings, schools, kindergartens, churches, and other civilian infrastructure facilities are completely destroyed. There are problems with water supply in the city, people are forced to stand in long queues for humanitarian aid. This is the result of the “scorched earth” method used by the Russian army in the Ukrainian Mariupol. It was used all possible types of weapons to wipe the city off the face of the Earth. According to eyewitnesses, during the year of occupation, the city still lies in ruins. The population has shrunk at least three times, and the main places of work for Mariupol residents — the Azovstal Metallurgical Combine and the Illich Iron & Steel Works — do not work at all.

After Russia completely occupied and established control over the city, the Russian propaganda machine immediately turned on. The country’s leading media began to actively cover the events in Mariupol and openly lie about the fact that the city is returning to normal life. Having built several facades of new houses and filmed several scenes against them, the Russian authorities tried to hide the war crimes they committed against civilians.

No matter how the authorities of the Russian Federation try to lie, they will not be able to avoid punishment for their deeds. The Russian Federation will liberate Ukrainian cities and will be held accountable for all the crimes it has committed against the Ukrainian people.