Russia celebrates at war crime site: Ukraine reacts over Mariupol theater
Mariupol Drama Theater after the Russian strike (Photo: Getty Images)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine strongly condemned Russia’s actions, which in December 2025 organized festive events to mark the so-called reopening of the Mariupol Drama Theater - the site of a mass civilian killing, according to the MFA’s post on X.
The MFA recalled that in March 2022, Russian aircraft dropped a bomb on the theater, where hundreds of civilians, including children, were sheltering.
Large letters spelling “CHILDREN” had been painted at the entrance to clearly indicate that no military personnel were inside.
“It deliberately turned this place into a mass grave, committing a blatant war crime,” the MFA post stated.
The foreign ministry emphasized that holding concerts, dances, and celebrations at the site of the tragedy constitutes a deliberate act of terror and an attempt to evade responsibility for the crime.
Photo: screenshot from a video on X.com by the MFA of Ukraine
Photo: screenshot from a video on X.com by the MFA of Ukraine
Ukraine insists that Russia must be held accountable for the deaths of civilians in Mariupol and for crimes that bear the characteristics of genocide against the Ukrainian people.
Destruction of the Mariupol Drama Theater
Russia destroyed the Mariupol Drama Theater with bombs on March 16, 2022. Russian aerial bombs struck the building, where hundreds of civilians, including children, were sheltering.
At least 600 people were killed, making this one of the largest war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine.
In November, the Russians announced the completion of so-called restoration work at the theater and planned its reopening in December.
According to The Guardian, the Russian authorities present the theater’s reconstruction as a symbol of Mariupol’s revival.
Former theater actors strongly criticized these plans. Mariupol photographer Yevhen Sosnovskyi, who moved to Kyiv after the city’s occupation, called the reopening cynical, stating that the site should serve as a memorial to the victims rather than an entertainment venue.
Former theater actress Vira Lebedynska, now living in Uzhhorod, said she cannot imagine songs being performed or shows taking place at the site.
