In a move that has drawn outrage, Russian forces have begun erecting a Christmas tree in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, specifically near a theatre where numerous civilians were killed during military airstrikes. The installation of the tree occurs at a location marked by tragedy, where families, including children, sought shelter from bombardments. Mariupol City Council condemned the act, stating, “Today the occupiers, seeking to erase the traces of their war crimes, are installing the main (bloody) Christmas tree next to the theatre.”
The theatre, which was a sanctuary for civilians during the siege of Mariupol, is set to reopen for the theatre season after extensive reconstruction that lasted over three years. This reopening will feature Russian productions, including The Scarlet Flower and The Empress’s Favourite. The council criticized the performances, asserting that they will take place “quite literally on the blood of murdered people.”
Historical Context and Civilian Impact
On March 16, 2022, the word “ДЕТИ” (“children”) was painted in large letters outside the Drama Theatre, aimed at alerting Russian military aircraft to the presence of civilians inside. Despite this warning, a bombing raid resulted in the deaths of up to 600 individuals, according to reports from Amnesty International, which labeled the incident as a “clear war crime.” The exact number of casualties remains uncertain due to ongoing occupation, but estimates suggest thousands may have died.
During the siege, the theatre served as a vital refuge, providing food, water, and information about evacuation routes. From February 24 to March 4, 2022, around 100 individuals, including theatre staff and families fleeing violence, utilized the building as a shelter. The siege of Mariupol persisted until May 20, when the remaining Ukrainian troops surrendered. Ukraine’s official figures indicate that approximately 25,000 civilians were killed, with over 50,000 deported, while Russia claims the death toll was only around 3,000.
Reconstruction and International Developments
In 2023, a construction team from Saint Petersburg undertook the restoration of the theatre, completing the work last month. The scheduled reopening this month comes as Ukraine continues to navigate the complexities of the ongoing conflict. On November 25, Ukraine announced it had agreed to “the core terms” of a peace deal brokered by the United States, which includes a controversial framework that may require Ukraine to cede the eastern Donbas region, encompassing Mariupol, as well as Crimea.
As the situation unfolds, the juxtaposition of festive celebrations against the backdrop of profound tragedy highlights the stark realities of war and its impact on civilians. The installation of the Christmas tree in Mariupol is seen not just as a symbol of the holiday season but also as an attempt to obscure the lingering memories of loss and suffering in the city.
