Ukraine's Foreign Ministry condemns Russian celebrations at Mariupol Drama Theatre

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has condemned the festive events held by Russia at the site of the massacre at the Mariupol Drama Theatre.

Source: Ukraine's Foreign Ministry

Quote: "In March 2022, Russia dropped an aerial bomb on the Mariupol Drama Theatre, where hundreds of people were sheltering – children among them. It deliberately turned this place into a mass grave, committing a blatant war crime.

The word 'CHILDREN' was written in front of the theatre to make it unmistakably clear that civilians – including the youngest residents of Mariupol – were hiding inside from Russia's attack. For Russia, this became not a reason to stop, but another reason to strike."

Details: The ministry described the celebrations at the theatre as "deliberate terror".

Quote: "December 2025 – three years later – Russia is hosting festive events to mark the so-called 'reopening' of the theatre, at the very site where Mariupol's civilians were killed, accompanied by dances, concerts, and celebrations.

This is deliberate terror and a deliberate attempt to evade responsibility. Russia must be held accountable for taking the lives of innocent people and for committing genocide against the Ukrainian people."

Previously: The Russians in temporarily occupied Mariupol in Donetsk Oblast officially reopened the rebuilt drama theatre, staging a festive concert that was attended by officials from Russia and Denis Pushilin, leader of the so-called "Donetsk People's Republic".

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 exact number of casualties that day is still unknown.
• 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 demolished 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.
• In November, it was reported that the Russians in temporarily occupied Mariupol were planning to reopen the drama theatre.
• In December, the Russians put up the city's main Christmas tree outside the drama theatre.

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