Destroyed Azovstal: Occupiers Show Ruins and Ruthless Desecration of Mariupol’s Landmark
The occupying forces in the temporarily seized territories of Mariupol have once again drawn international attention through their destructive actions.
They released video footage showing the ruins of the renowned metallurgical plant ‘Azovstal,’ which was completely destroyed during fighting in 2022.
The images depict extensive destruction, turning one of the region’s key industrial symbols into ashes.
According to Mariupol City Council reports, the invaders not only examined the remains of the factory but also threatened residents by visiting underground shelters — the places where Ukrainian defenders and civilians took refuge during intense shelling.
The footage reveals remnants of ‘Azov’ symbols, as well as traces of medicine and dried ration packaging hidden inside during bombings.
City authorities have pointed out that the Russian occupiers have long planned the fate of this strategic site—from ideas of turning it into an industrial park to establishing a space museum.
However, none of these projects have materialized so far.
Furthermore, the occupiers have established a fake company called ‘Unified Environmental Operator’ to handle the plant’s waste disposal and dismantling.
Following plans to privatize ‘Azovstal,’ Russia seeks to utilize this enterprise for its own purposes, causing growing concern among local residents.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently stated that over 2,500 Ukrainian military personnel ended up in Russian captivity after defending ‘Azovstal,’ with approximately 1,400 from the Azov Regiment.
As of May 2025, nearly two-thirds remain in captivity, with exchanges occurring at a slow pace, raising fears about the fate of Mariupol defenders and their families.