Putin Unveils Christmas Tree in Mariupol, Site of Civilian Deaths

In a controversial move, Russian forces have begun erecting a Christmas tree in the occupied city of Mariupol, located in the Donetsk Oblast of Ukraine. The installation takes place near a theatre where a tragic bombing killed many civilians, including children, seeking refuge from the ongoing conflict. The Mariupol City Council expressed outrage over this decision, posting on Telegram that the occupiers are attempting to “erase the traces of their war crimes” by celebrating in such a location.

The theatre, which has been a focal point amid the violence, is set to reopen following extensive renovations that lasted more than three years. The Russian authorities plan to launch the new theatre season with productions of The Scarlet Flower and The Empress’s Favourite, both of which are Russian classics. The City Council criticized the reopening, stating, “They will quite literally be performing on the blood of murdered people,” highlighting the stark contrast between the planned festivities and the history of suffering associated with the site.

Tragic History of the Theatre

On March 16, 2022, the words “ДЕТИ” (“children”) were painted in large letters outside the Drama Theatre, intended to signal to Russian military aircraft that families were sheltering inside. Despite this plea for mercy, Russian forces bombed the building, resulting in estimates of up to 600 casualties, according to The Associated Press. The exact figures remain unclear due to the ongoing occupation, but the attack has been condemned as a “clear war crime” by organizations such as Amnesty International.

Prior to its destruction, the Mariupol theatre served as a critical refuge for civilians, providing food, water, and vital information regarding evacuation routes. Between February 24 and March 4, 2022, approximately 100 people, including theatre staff and their families, found shelter within its walls. The siege of Mariupol continued until May 20, 2022, when all remaining Ukrainian forces surrendered. Ukrainian officials estimate that around 25,000 civilians were killed during the siege, with over 50,000 deported. In contrast, Russian claims suggest that only 3,000 civilians lost their lives, a figure disputed by international observers.

Future Developments

Construction teams from Saint Petersburg began restoration of the theatre in 2023, with reports indicating that the work was completed last month in preparation for the reopening this December. The reopening of the theatre, juxtaposed with the Christmas tree installation, has sparked further outrage among locals and observers alike.

In a broader context, on November 25, 2023, Ukraine announced it had agreed to “the core terms” of a peace deal brokered by the United States. This plan, originally proposed during the Trump administration, outlined a 28-point framework aimed at resolving the conflict, which includes contentious issues regarding territorial concessions in the eastern Donbas region, encompassing Mariupol and Crimea. While modifications to the peace proposal have been made, the specifics of these changes are not yet public.

The situation in Mariupol remains a poignant reminder of the ongoing conflict’s human toll, with the juxtaposition of a Christmas celebration against a backdrop of tragedy raising serious ethical questions about the appropriateness of such actions in a war-torn region.