Russia has intensified its information campaign, spreading disinformation about the alleged restoration of the destroyed Mariupol. This is an attempt to create an impression of the “reconstruction” of the city, which suffered large-scale destruction as a result of hostilities.
The propaganda places particular emphasis on fakes about the Mariupol Drama Theater, which was damaged by air strikes in March 2022. Propaganda media outlets are distributing materials that supposedly confirm the restoration work, involving foreign journalists who cooperate with the Russian authorities.
The goal of such a campaign is to create the illusion of active development of Ukrainian territories under Russian control. In this way, the Kremlin is trying to legitimize its presence in the occupied lands.
At the same time, the real situation in the occupied cities of Donbas remains extremely difficult. Most settlements are still in ruins, and residents do not receive basic housing, communal and social services.
In Mariupol, residents are massively reporting the loss of housing and the lack of compensation for destroyed apartments, despite the reconstruction program announced by Moscow. According to locals, the real purpose of these statements is to consolidate control over the region through a new migration policy and the displacement of the indigenous population.
Residents of occupied Mariupol also note that a significant part of the city still remains destroyed. At the same time, according to local propaganda Telegram channels, the Russian army is preparing the city for the possible arrival of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
