Russians claim to have rebuilt Mariupol Drama Theatre destroyed by their own airstrikes, reopening planned for December – photos

The Russians in temporarily occupied Mariupol plan to open the Drama Theatre, which they themselves destroyed with two aerial bombs in March 2022, at the end of this year.

Source: Mariupol City Council

Details: Hundreds of Ukrainians were killed in Russian airstrikes on the theatre in March 2022. The word "Children" had been written outside the building in large letters to warn pilots that civilians were sheltering inside.

The theatre is scheduled to reopen in December, Mariupol City Council has reported.

"The occupiers claim that the 'restoration' of the theatre is nearing completion. A place where one of Russia's most horrific war crimes was committed 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 away of rubble containing bodies and to prevent evidence of their crimes from being documented.

Background:

• On 16 March 2022, Russian forces dropped two 500-kg aerial bombs on the Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was serving as a shelter for hundreds of civilians.
• The word "Children" was clearly written in large letters in front of the building and behind it so as to be visible from the air.
• The Russians later 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, announcing that the first performance would take place by the end of the year.

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