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.