Mariupol was a major industrial hub, home of the Illich and Azovstal Iron and Steel Works, and the largest city on the Sea of Azov. It was the largest city in the Ukrainian-controlled portion of Donetsk Oblast, and was also one of the largest Russian-speaking cities in Ukraine. Mariupol was considered a major strategic city and therefore was a target for Russian forces. See also: War in Donbas (2014–2022) and January 2015 Mariupol rocket attack However, the loss of the city has also been seen as a significant defeat for Ukraine. Some Western reports described the siege as a pyrrhic or symbolic Russian victory, with others noting that the humanitarian impact of the takeover was a 'reputational disaster' for Russia. Major combat operations in the city effectively ended on, after Ukraine's Azov Regiment surrendered at the Azovstal Iron and Steel Works. In an official statement, the United Nations confirmed the deaths of 1,348 civilians in Mariupol, but warned that the true death toll was likely thousands higher while also reporting that 90% of the city's residential buildings had been damaged or completely destroyed. Ukrainian officials reported that approximately 25,000 civilians had been killed and that at least 95% of the city had been destroyed during the fighting, primarily by large-scale Russian bombardments. ĭuring the Russian siege, the Red Cross described the situation in Mariupol as 'apocalyptic' while Ukrainian authorities accused Russia of engineering a major humanitarian crisis in the city. However, it was later subjected to Russia's unilateral annexation of southeastern Ukraine, and remains under direct Russian control as of 10 May 2023. Mariupol is located in Ukraine's Donetsk Oblast, and following the siege, it was initially controlled by the Donetsk People's Republic, supported by occupying Russian troops. Lasting for almost three months, the siege ended in a victory for Russia and the Donetsk People's Republic, as Ukraine lost control of the city amidst Russia's eastern Ukraine offensive and southern Ukraine offensive all Ukrainian troops remaining in the city surrendered at the Azovstal Iron and Steel Works on, after they were ordered to cease fighting. It saw fighting between the Russian Armed Forces (alongside the Donetsk People's Republic People's Militia) and the Ukrainian Armed Forces for control over the city of Mariupol in southeastern Ukraine. The siege of Mariupol began on 24 February 2022 and lasted until 20 May, as part of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure.(total number thought 'thousands higher') National Police and State Border Guard forces ġ00 other armored vehicles destroyed.23rd Separate Protection of Public Order Brigade.

28 months later overrun russia