As of October 2025, the southeastern Ukrainian city of Mariupol remains under Russian control, more than three years after the end of its devastating siege in May 2022. Once a thriving port city, Mariupol now stands as a symbol of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Despite its strategic significance and the heavy toll it has taken on its residents, the city continues to be governed by Russian-backed authorities, with little indication of imminent change.
The Fall of Mariupol
The siege of Mariupol began on February 24, 2022, coinciding with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The city, located in Donetsk Oblast, became a focal point of intense fighting between Ukrainian defenders and Russian forces, including troops from the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR). After nearly three months of relentless bombardment and street-by-street combat, the last Ukrainian defenders surrendered at the Azovstal Iron and Steel Works on May 20, 2022. This marked the end of organized Ukrainian resistance in the city, leading to its complete occupation by Russian forces.
Administrative Control Under Russian Authorities
Following the city’s capture, Mariupol was placed under the administrative control of the Donetsk People’s Republic, a self-proclaimed entity supported by Russia. In January 2023, Oleg Morgun was appointed as the de facto mayor of Mariupol by Denis Pushilin, the head of the DPR. Morgun replaced Konstantin Ivashchenko, who had served in the role after the city’s fall. Morgun’s appointment underscores the ongoing Russian efforts to integrate Mariupol into the broader framework of Russian governance in the region.
Demographic and Societal Changes
Since the occupation, Mariupol has experienced significant demographic shifts. Many Ukrainian residents fled the city during the siege and have not returned. In their place, Russian nationals from various regions, including Siberia and the Far East, have moved into the city. These newcomers often purchase property that was previously owned by Ukrainians, further altering the city’s cultural and social landscape. The influx of Russian citizens is part of a broader strategy to solidify Russian presence and influence in the area.
For those Ukrainians who remain in Mariupol, life under occupation presents numerous challenges. The Russian authorities have introduced new administrative systems, including the requirement for residents to obtain Russian passports to access essential services such as healthcare and housing. This policy has led many residents to comply, despite their reservations, as a means to secure basic necessities. Additionally, the educational system has been overhauled to align with Russian curricula, emphasizing Russian language and history while downplaying Ukrainian heritage.
Humanitarian and Economic Conditions
The humanitarian situation in Mariupol remains dire. The city was extensively damaged during the siege, with reports indicating that up to 90% of residential buildings were destroyed. Reconstruction efforts have been slow, and many displaced residents find themselves unable to return due to the lack of adequate housing and infrastructure. Moreover, the Russian authorities have been accused of expropriating properties under the guise of them being ownerless, often transferring them to Russian citizens or developers. This practice has exacerbated tensions and feelings of injustice among the remaining Ukrainian population.
Economically, Mariupol’s strategic location along the Sea of Azov has made it a focal point for Russian interests. The Port of Mariupol, once a vital hub for Ukrainian trade, is now under Russian control. The port’s facilities have been repurposed to serve Russian economic and military objectives, further entrenching Moscow’s influence in the region. While the city has been promoted as a potential tourist destination, the reality for most residents is one of economic hardship and limited opportunities.
International Response and Prospects for Change
Internationally, the occupation of Mariupol has been met with widespread condemnation. The United Nations and various human rights organizations have highlighted the severe humanitarian impact of the siege and the subsequent occupation. Despite these concerns, there has been limited progress toward restoring Ukrainian control over the city. The ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine and the broader geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West continue to complicate efforts for a peaceful resolution.
As of now, Mariupol remains firmly under Russian control. The city’s future appears uncertain, with the possibility of it becoming a permanent part of Russia’s territorial holdings in Ukraine. For the residents who once called Mariupol home, the dream of returning to a free and independent Ukraine seems increasingly distant. The situation in Mariupol serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring challenges faced by those living in conflict zones and the complex dynamics of territorial control in the ongoing war.