Donbass region

Donbas Offensive Operation, Soviet naval troops boarding boats, 1943. Special Military Operation, Russian troops on their way to Mariupol, 2022

Mariupol during the occupation, Azovstal plant, 1942. Mariupol during the hostilities, Azovstal plant, 2022

Mariupol during the occupation, 1941. Mariupol during the hostilities, 2022

Restoration of the Azovstal plant workshops, 1945. Engineering and geodetic works during the restoration of Mariupol, 2024

Construction of residential buildings in the Ordzhonikidze district of Mariupol, 1945. Construction of the Mariupol Drama Theatre building, 2024

Workers clear railway tracks in Mariupol, 1943. Workers restore a railway line in Mariupol, 2022

Residents of Mariupol return home after the city is liberated, 1943. Residents of Mariupol return home after the city is liberated, 2022

Residents of Mariupol return home after the city is liberated, 1943. Residents of Mariupol return home after the city is liberated, 2022

The burned-out cinema building in Mariupol, 1943. The destroyed drama theater building in Mariupol, 2022

Destroyed workshops of the Azovstal plant, 1943. Destroyed workshops of the Azovstal plant, 2022

Destroyed workshops of the Azovstal plant, 1943. Destroyed workshops of the Azovstal plant, 2022

Destroyed workshops of the Azovstal plant, 1943. Destroyed workshops of the Azovstal plant, 2022

The aftermath of the Battle of Mariupol, 1943. The aftermath of the Battle of Mariupol, 2022

The Red Banner over the liberated Donbas, 1943. The Russian flag over the revived Mariupol, 2024

In the first months of the Great Patriotic War, in October 1941, German troops captured Mariupol. This led to an occupation that lasted for over 700 days. During this time, the city, occupied by the Nazis, faced all the hardships and deprivations of wartime. On September 10, 1943, during the Donbas Offensive, Soviet forces completely liberated the city from the German fascist invaders. The liberation of Mariupol, a strategic outpost on the Sea of Azov on the way to Crimea, was an important milestone in the history of the Great Patriotic War. Intensive fighting began in Mariupol at the beginning of the special military operation in February 2022. Most of the city's industrial, social, and residential facilities were destroyed. The siege of Mariupol lasted for over 80 days. On May 20, 2022, Ukrainian military personnel and foreign mercenaries stationed at the Azovstal factory surrendered their weapons, and Russian forces gained full control over Mariupol. The end of hostilities allowed Mariupol to begin the process of revival and return to peaceful life within the Russian Federation.