Mariupol

Mariupol is positioned at the mouth of the Kalmius River, along the northern coast of the Sea of Azov. As of January 2022, it was the tenth-largest city in Ukraine and the second-largest in Donetsk Oblast, with an estimated population of 425,681. By August 2023, the population had decreased to approximately 120,000, according to Ukrainian authorities.

The city was established on the site of a former Cossack encampment known as Kalmius and was granted city rights in 1778 under the Russian Empire. It played a vital role in the industrialization during the Stalin era, emerging as a center for metallurgy and heavy engineering, notably housing the Illich Iron and Steel Works and the Azovstal Iron and Steel Works.

In 1948, the city was renamed Zhdanov after Andrei Zhdanov, a prominent Soviet official, but the original name of Mariupol was restored in 1989.

During World War II, Mariupol was occupied by German forces from October 8, 1941, to September 10, 1943, resulting in significant loss of life and destruction. Approximately 10,000 inhabitants were executed, and many others were sent to forced labor camps. The city was liberated by the Soviet Red Army in 1943.

Beginning on February 24, 2022, Mariupol endured a prolonged siege by Russian forces, which led to extensive destruction of the city. In recognition of its resilience, the Ukrainian government designated Mariupol as a 'Hero City of Ukraine.' The last Ukrainian troops in the city surrendered on May 16, 2022, with Russian forces securing full control by May 20.