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Mariupol. Photo: Reuters
This article was originally published by Suspilne (Ukrainian public news organization) on May 18th, 2024. It was translated by u/Lysychka- and has been condensed for Reddit. Illustrations are from the original article, any photographs were added by me.
By Maria Semenchenko & Inha Levi
The defense of Mariupol lasted from February 24 to May 20, 2022—86 days, 82 of which were in complete encirclement. Thousands of Mariupol residents died—from hunger, exhaustion, lack of medicine, Russian shelling, and many under the ruins of houses, schools, and hospitals. The Russians directed air bombs at, among other targets, the maternity hospital and the Drama Theater, where hundreds of civilians were hiding. No wonder the residents of Mariupol say they experienced true hell.
For two years, Mariupol has been living under occupation. The Russians are trying to quickly make it Russian—both in appearance and atmosphere. On the sites of destroyed historic buildings, concrete “boxes” are being erected. Russian workers have been brought into hospitals and schools. Rebuilt housing is being sold to Russians. In the city, everyone lives with Russian passports and rubles. Meanwhile, people there still disappear or are detained and convicted on falsified charges. Those who want to leave the city must undergo filtration.
Finding anyone who remains in Mariupol and can tell about daily life is difficult—people are afraid to talk. As one of the people who agreed to be interviewed for this article "The city is plagued by fear." Even those who recently left the city are reluctant to talk about life in occupied Mariupol.
However, we managed to talk to a few Mariupol residents who are still in the city or have recently left it. They spoke about what life is like under occupation.
On the site of destroyed historic buildings in Mariupol, concrete boxes are being erected. Some houses in the city are being restored only externally—for appearances. Illustration by Inha Levi.
In the first year of the occupation, Kateryna (name changed for safety reasons) would leave her house only if she had to and only within close neighborhood: to the store, the medical clinic, the pharmacy. "When you go to the downtown, you immediately feel the oppression. Everything here is alien and lifeless," she says. "Life in Mariupol hasn't stopped, but it is a life in constant fear."
Kateryna stayed in Mariupol due to family circumstances. She agreed to talk with us because she says otherwise, no one will know what is happening in the city, leading to generalizations and distrust towards those who stayed. Moreover, Russian propaganda quickly fills the information vacuum. So, Kateryna chooses to speak: "Is it scary? Of course. But I am careful."
Inna (name changed for safety reasons) has left Mariupol. Her aunt remains in the city, but she cannot visit her—Inna's husband serves in the Ukrainian army, which means there is a high chance that she would be detained by Russian services upon entry. Inna describes the atmosphere in the city as "stifling and oppressive."
Her best friend remains in Mariupol, taking care of elderly relatives. "He doesn’t tell me everything, of course. There are things you can't say even over the phone in Mariupol," explains Inna. "Men often have their documents and mobile phones checked. If my friend talked to any Ukrainian journalists, the occupiers would quickly find out. Can you imagine what it’s like to live there now?"
Caption: \"Life in Mariupol hasn't stopped, but it is a life in constant fear.\" Illustration by Inha Levi.
"At the beginning of the occupation, few residents remained in Mariupol. There weren't even birds. Only stray dogs were dragging human limbs through the streets. People started drinking heavily, just to keep from going insane," recalls Anna Murlikina, editor of the Mariupol portal 0629.com.ua. She left the city in February 2024. "Then people from Russia started coming to Mariupol, and a flurry of construction activity began."
Last year, Mariupol Mayor Vadym Boichenko said that during the blockade, the Russians destroyed 50% of the apartment buildings (934 buildings) and damaged over 38,000 private houses. They are now trying to rebuild the city—they have demolished 465 buildings, which had about 33,500 apartments, and have built about 4,600 new apartments. The Iron and Steel Works, where some of Mariupol's defenders held out, has partially resumed operations. "Azovstal" is being dismantled for scrap metal.
Valentyna (name changed for safety) did not leave the city. She is already retired. She had two apartments—one in a building with a sea view, and another in a historic building. The latter belonged to her daughter, who left in the early days of the full-scale invasion. Both buildings were damaged by Russian shelling. The building with a sea view was demolished by the occupiers. "There is no hope that it will be rebuilt and that I will be given an apartment there. Now, in Mariupol, apartments are being given to Russians who come to work, or they are being sold. You can also take out a mortgage on an apartment that you had, which was then destroyed and has now been rebuilt. It's nonsense!" exclaims the woman.
The building where Valentyna's other apartment was located has been restored. But to keep this property, her daughter would have to come to Mariupol, get a Russian passport, and confirm ownership. This must be done by 2026, as stated in the Russian order. During this time, the owner must pay utility bills; otherwise, the apartment will be declared ownerless.
It's not possible to issue a power of attorney to keep the apartment. Inna describes how she tried to issue a power of attorney for her aunt, who stayed in Mariupol: "Notaries in Ukraine made a general power of attorney. Then it went through European countries to Russia, was translated into Russian, and certified by a local notary. But in Mariupol, my aunt was told that only I, and only with a Russian passport, could confirm the ownership."
Some buildings in the city are being restored only on the outside—for appearances. Russian propaganda channels are filming stories about these buildings, where realtors show damaged apartments "but in nice buildings and in a good location."
"For Russians, Mariupol is a business project. No one thinks about the people or the city's history," says Inna.
Mariupol.
There are far fewer job openings in Mariupol not related to construction. Jobs, especially in the service sector, are mostly given to women. Men are hired reluctantly, as few in the city believe in exemption from mobilization. Kateryna says her friend and her husband opened a small shop but did not register it with Russian state services: "To avoid revealing data about her husband, because conscription summonses will start arriving."
Kateryna herself does not work—"to avoid communicating with Russians." She sold one of her apartments and lives off that money. She recalls how she and a male friend went to villages for groceries to sell at the market in Mariupol: "Then the 'DNR' people stopped us. They beat my friend severely. They took him to the commandant's office. They told him they would throw him in the basement and take the car. I asked, for what? And they said, for tax evasion. What taxes? There's no electricity, water, or food in the city!"
In two years, the city has restored electricity and water supply, but everything works intermittently. "The water is of poor quality—from the Staryi Krym reservoir. The communication lines are destroyed, so it is often turned off. The same goes for electricity. Back-up lines were drawn from neighboring settlements, but the capacity is insufficient, and accidents happen constantly," says Anna Murlikina.

Education: Empty Schools and Russian Narratives

According to Human Rights Watch, during the siege of the city, the Russians damaged 86 out of 89 educational institution buildings, including all 15 trade schools, colleges and universities. "The Russians are building kindergartens and schools, but most of them are half-empty because there aren't enough kids" says Kateryna. "There's also a problem with teachers; they are being brought in from Russia."
Schools in Mariupol have switched to the Russian language and curriculum. Russia is printing guidelines for them—instructions on "patriotic" upbringing and Russian historical narratives: the princes of Kyivan Rus were "Russian figures," the Russian Federation fights against "Ukrainian Nazis," and Ukraine is a "project of foreign intelligence services."
Russian youth organizations and museums are being created in schools to "correctly tell the history of Russia and the Donetsk region." Kateryna recalls May 9—on that day, she says, Mariupol schools held performances with children dressed as Soviet soldiers with St. George ribbons.
There are isolated cases where Mariupol children still study online in Ukrainian schools. But this is risky, according to our protagonists. One of them notes that staying in the occupation with children is a crime because "in a few years, they will already be Russian children."

"Mariupol residents are being drafted into the Russian army."

Mariupol. Photo: Reuters.
"In 2023 and early 2024, there was no mass mobilization in Mariupol like in the fall of 2022," says Anna Murlikina. "But there were individual cases. Men who received Russian passports had to register for military service. Some have already been sent to fight. I know they took students, working people aged 30 and older. But not on a large scale."
This spring, tents of the "Russian Army" appeared in the center of Mariupol. In them, Mariupol residents are encouraged to join the Russian armed forces. But, locals say, hardly anyone goes into these tents. Additionally, the Ukrainian Center for National Resistance reported that in the occupied territories of southern and eastern Ukraine, the Russians began forcing children to register for military service: "According to the 'military commissariat' plan, from March 2024, 17-year-old teenagers must register for Russian military service."
According to the Mariupol City Council, at least a thousand people are expected to be mobilized in the city shortly. Men born between 1994 and 2006 are subject to the draft.
Before the full-scale invasion, Mariupol had a population of 500,000. Now, according to various estimates, it has around 100,000 residents, including Russians and labor migrants from other countries. Some Mariupol residents have left. Additionally, during the first months of the siege, the occupiers forcibly deported tens of thousands of people from Mariupol to other occupied territories of Donetsk or to Russia. Ukrainian authorities managed to verify 33,000 of them.
According to city authorities, over 20,000 people have died in Mariupol. At least 147 children have been verified to have been killed. However, it is impossible to accurately count the number of dead. People are buried under destroyed buildings, many were buried in mass graves on the outskirts of the city, and others were buried simply in their yards.
Overall, there is no data on 150,000 Mariupol residents, says Anna Murlikina. A large number of city residents are still considered missing. "The department store in the city center, where people died in the basement, has not yet been dismantled by the Russians," says the journalist. "I wouldn't be surprised if the bodies of the dead are still lying there. People were hiding from shelling there. In 2022 and partly in 2023, it was unbearable to be near the department store because of the overpowering smell of corpses." Exhumation has not been carried out at the Drama Theater either, where on March 16, 2022, the Russians dropped two aerial bombs. According to various sources, between 300 and 600 people died there. Now the occupiers are building a new theater on the ruins of the old one.
Caption: \"In Mariupol, over 20,000 people have died. The exact number cannot be determined. People are buried under destroyed buildings, some were buried in mass graves on the outskirts of the city, and some were buried simply in their yards.\" Illustration by Inha Levi.
_______________________________
The 817th day of a ten-year invasion that has been going on for centuries.
One day closer to victory.

🇺🇦 HEROIAM SLAVA! 🇺🇦

Kid Friendly Things To Do In New York Near Me
We all know that New York City is full of exciting activities, but it can be difficult to find kid-friendly places. Whether you're a local looking for something new or a tourist looking for an adventure, there are plenty of fun things to do with your children in NYC.
From Central Park to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, here are some of the best kid-friendly attractions near you. So grab your family and get ready for a day of fun!
From visiting Central Park's iconic landmarks and playgrounds to exploring the Bronx Zoo's wildlife habitats, there is no shortage of things to do in New York City that both adults and kids will love.
The Children's Museum of Manhattan has interactive exhibits and programs designed specifically for kids, while the Staten Island Ferry offers breathtaking views from its deck. Brooklyn Bridge Park is also sure to delight visitors with its lush green spaces and stunning waterfront views.
And if you're feeling adventurous, take your family on an unforgettable journey at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. With so many options available in this vibrant city, you'll never run out of ideas for family-friendly adventures!
Central Park
With its sprawling meadows and iconic monuments, Central Park offers a unique escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Whether you're looking for an urban adventure or to explore wildlife along the lakeside, Central Park is guaranteed to deliver.
For families with kids in tow, there are plenty of sights to see including Belvedere Castle, Strawberry Fields, The Great Lawn, and Sheep Meadow.
Take a stroll through the park's winding paths and discover hidden gems like the Alice in Wonderland statue or Shakespeare Garden.
For those seeking more active pursuits, there are many outdoor activities available such as cycling on designated trails or boating on the lake.
There are also tennis courts and playgrounds for children ready to stretch their legs and work up a sweat.
Other highlights include special events held throughout each season such as outdoor concerts at Summer Stage or ice skating at Wollman Rink during winter months.
Central Park provides something for everyone - no matter what your age or interests may be – it's a great place for all kinds of family-friendly activities that can be enjoyed year round!
The Bronx Zoo
From the roaring lions to the majestic elephants, the Bronx Zoo is a wildlife wonderland sure to excite and enthrall.
Situated in the northern section of New York City, this world-famous zoo offers visitors an assortment of exploring options for seeing its beautiful animals.
Upon arriving, you'll be dazzled by the variety of wildlife viewing opportunities presented by exhibits like Wild Asia Monorail, Jungle World, Tiger Mountain and Congo Gorilla Forest.
The Bronx Zoo also features several educational programs for those looking to learn more about their furry friends. With hands-on activities like animal encounters and zookeeper talks, there's no shortage of ways to experience nature up close.
Additionally, special events are held throughout the year that include guest speakers from around the world who come to speak on topics ranging from animal conservation to species discovery.
From summer camps where kids can explore their love for animals to family activities such as feeding giraffes or riding camels, there's something for everyone at The Bronx Zoo.
Whether you're visiting with family or friends or just wanting some alone time in nature, a trip here is sure to provide hours of fun and excitement in one of New York City's most beloved attractions.
Museum of Natural History
Discovering the wonders of the natural world has never been easier than at the Museum of Natural History, where you can marvel at an array of fascinating exhibits.
Exploring Life and Wild Adventures is a great way to immerse yourself into the ancient history as well as modern discoveries in wildlife, plants, and insects. From dinosaur bones to precious gems and minerals, there's something for everyone!
Here are just a few highlights:
Marvel at over 200 million artifacts from around the globe
Observe live animals in their habitats within replica environments
See how researchers study and preserve nature through interactive exhibits
At the Museum of Natural History there is something for all ages to enjoy! With a vast collection of educational programs such as workshops, lectures, tours, films, and more - it's easy to find something that interests you and your family.
The museum also provides special events like night sky viewing parties or musical performances that will keep your kids engaged while they learn about our amazing planet Earth!
Come explore all the hidden treasures this museum has to offer - you won't be disappointed!
Children's Museum of Manhattan
The Children's Museum of Manhattan is the perfect place to have a blast and learn something new. It offers a wide range of interactive exhibits and educational programs that are sure to captivate young minds.
With four floors filled with hands-on activities, kids can explore their creativity and discover new ideas through immersive experiences. From the Zoom Room, which allows children to explore science and technology with real-world applications such as coding and robotics, to the Art Studio where they can express themselves through visual art, there’s something for everyone at the museum.
One of the highlights of visiting the Children's Museum of Manhattan is its cultural programming, which aims to educate children about various cultures from around the world. Through special events, workshops, performances, story times and more, kids will gain an understanding of different global cultures while having fun at the same time.
Additionally, visitors are often able to take part in interactive demonstrations that include music making using traditional instruments such as drums or marimbas.
With so much fun on offer at this one-of-a-kind museum in New York City, it’s no wonder why it has become a popular destination for families looking for kid friendly things to do near them! Whether you want your child to learn something new or just have some fun playing in an engaging environment, The Children's Museum of Manhattan has it all.
Staten Island Ferry
Take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry and enjoy beautiful views of New York City's iconic skyline while cruising along the Hudson River. Exploring the sights from the deck of this boat is an exciting adventure in itself, with plenty of chances to spot wildlife, take photographs, or just soak up the atmosphere.
Whether you're looking for a romantic evening out or a fun day trip with your family, here are three great reasons to check out the Staten Island Ferry:
Free ride – The Staten Island Ferry is free, making it one of the best budget-friendly activities in NYC. Plus, since it runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, there's always time to hop on board and explore!
Breathtaking views – There's nothing quite like seeing Manhattan's skyline illuminated at night from out on the water--it truly takes your breath away! You can also see famous landmarks such as Ellis Island and Lady Liberty as well as some lesser-known but equally beautiful sites along your journey.
Adventurous atmosphere – Whether you're traveling solo or with friends and family, you'll love taking part in all sorts of activities aboard the ferry. From listening to live music performances to playing games or simply enjoying each other's company against an ever-changing backdrop of stunning scenery.
No matter what type of traveler you are, hopping aboard the Staten Island Ferry will guarantee an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after disembarking back onto dry land!
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Offering postcard-perfect views of the Manhattan skyline and plenty of possibilities for outdoor fun, Brooklyn Bridge Park is an ideal destination for those seeking a memorable day in the city.
From kayaking on the East River to picnicking on lush lawns, there's something here to delight everyone. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll along the waterfront or an adrenaline-filled adventure, this park has it all.
The 85 acre oasis stretches 1.3 miles along Brooklyn's East River waterfront from Old Fulton Street in DUMBO to Atlantic Avenue in Cobble Hill.
One of its most popular attractions is Jane’s Carousel, an enclosed 1922 merry-go-round set directly beneath the Brooklyn Bridge at Empire Fulton Ferry State Park.
There are also picnic spots located throughout the area with plenty of space for kids to run around and explore nature. Plus, there are several playgrounds where families can play together and take advantage of other amenities like basketball courts and shuffleboard courts.
Boasting breathtaking views of Manhattan's skyline as well as lush green spaces perfect for a relaxing afternoon outdoors, Brooklyn Bridge Park offers something for everyone in your family.
The park is easily accessible by public transportation or car making it incredibly convenient to get there no matter where you are coming from. So don’t miss out on all this park has to offer!
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
After exploring the beauty of Brooklyn Bridge Park, let's take a trip to check out one of the most renowned museums in New York City: the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. We'll be amazed by its collection of military and maritime artifacts that are sure to fascinate anyone interested in space exploration, aircraft technology and more.
Located at Pier 86 on Manhattan’s West Side, this museum offers visitors a unique chance to explore both historical and modern vessels. From its submarine Growler to its Concorde SST supersonic airliner, there is something for everyone here.
Visitors can also discover exhibitions about America’s space program as well as visit the flight decks of various aircraft carriers including USS Intrepid itself. The museum also features interactive exhibits which allow you to experience what it was like to be on board an aircraft carrier or take part in underwater missions aboard a submarine.
In addition to these experiences, there are also educational programs for kids and adults alike so that visitors can learn more about science, technology and engineering through engaging activities. With all these exciting things offered at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, it's no wonder why people come from near and far just to experience what this place has to offer!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any kid friendly restaurants nearby?
When looking for kid-friendly restaurants, it's important to consider both the menu and the atmosphere.
Look for places that offer age appropriate activities, such as coloring pages or games that keep kids entertained while they wait for their meals.
Additionally, look for menus with kid-friendly options such as macaroni and cheese or grilled chicken strips.
These types of dishes are sure to provide a welcome break from typical fast food fare.
Are there any discounts available for children?
We're always looking for affordable activities that provide a safe environment for our kids. Luckily, many of the kid friendly things to do in New York near me offer discounts specifically geared towards children.
These discounts allow parents and their kids to get out and about without breaking the bank. From museums to zoos, there are plenty of ways to save money while having fun with your family.
Are there any discounts available for children?
Is there a dress code for any of the attractions?
When it comes to dress code, safety is always the number one priority. Most attractions in New York follow a strict set of safety precautions and age restrictions that require guests to be dressed appropriately.
So whether you're visiting an amusement park or planning on going to a museum, make sure you check their guidelines before hand and wear clothing that meets their requirements for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Are there any special events taking place near these attractions?
We often hear about special events taking place near attractions, and New York is no exception.
From interactive workshops to special packages, there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to add something unique to their experiences.
Whether it's a one-time event or part of an ongoing series, the city has plenty of ways to keep things fresh and exciting.
With all that's available, you won't be stuck doing the same thing over and over again.
Can I bring my own food to the attractions?
We enjoy outdoor picnics and budget-friendly attractions, so we always ask if we can bring our own food.
Generally speaking, most family-oriented attractions in New York allow visitors to bring their own food and drinks, making it a great way of saving money while still having fun.
From parks to museums and zoos, there are plenty of places that offer the flexibility of bringing your own meals so you can spend more on activities instead.
Conclusion
We've explored some of the best kid-friendly activities in New York City. From Central Park and the Bronx Zoo to the Museum of Natural History and Children's Museum of Manhattan, there are so many amazing places for kids to explore and have fun.
And don't forget about Staten Island Ferry, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum! There truly is something for everyone in New York City.
So why not grab your kids and hit the Big Apple? With so much to do and see, you'll be sure to make lasting memories with your family.
After all, what could be better than spending quality time together in one of the most exciting cities on Earth?