Despite Russia's attempts to portray Mariupol as a recovering city, residents share a different story filled with destruction, shortages of water and medicine, and a relentless atmosphere of fear and resistance against oppressive narratives.
"Reality Check: Mariupol Residents Debunk Russian Propaganda Amid Harsh Living Conditions"

"Reality Check: Mariupol Residents Debunk Russian Propaganda Amid Harsh Living Conditions"
In stark contrast to Russian narratives, residents of Mariupol reveal the devastating realities of life in the occupied city, highlighting severe shortages and ongoing hardships.
"Mariupol continues to struggle under the weight of occupation, as residents assert that the reality starkly contrasts the images presented by Russian media. John, a resident whose name has been altered for safety, insists, “What they're showing on Russian TV are fairy tales for fools. Most of Mariupol still lies in ruins.” He describes how while cosmetic repairs might be visible on main streets for propaganda purposes, the reality behind closed doors is quite different—many remain trapped in crumbling homes.
It has been over three years since Russian forces seized Mariupol following a harrowing siege that witnessed immense destruction and loss of life. The United Nations estimates that a staggering 90% of buildings in the city were either damaged or obliterated. Lately, Russian influencers have circulated social media content that presents a seemingly restored city. However, extensive communications with residents—both those currently living in Mariupol and those who have escaped—paint a darker picture.
"I wouldn’t say they have repaired a lot of things," states Olha Onyshko, who fled the city late last year. “Only the buildings in the central square have been reconstructed. The remains of buildings still linger, with debris cleared away without care for the bodies buried beneath.”
The city is also wrestling with dire water shortages. James, another local resident under a pseudonym to protect his identity, describes the water situation vividly. “Water flows for a day or two, then it’s gone for three. The color is so yellow, even after boiling it, we can’t drink.” Additional reports indicate that due to prolonged occupation, the remaining water sources have become inadequate, failing to meet basic standards.
Alongside water scarcity, Mariupol inhabitants contend with power outages, surging food prices, and a lack of essential medicines. “Insulin is hard to find and prohibitively expensive,” mentions James, summing up the struggles of those left behind.
The distressing truths about the state of local schools reveal a more troubling aspect of the occupation. Children are reportedly being indoctrinated using propaganda-laden curricula that claims regions are now part of Russia. Andrii Kozhushyna, who studied at a local university during occupation before escaping, shared accounts of how lessons include narratives portraying Russia as a protector of Russian-speaking communities.
In stark contrast to the emergence of state-sponsored narratives, a grassroots resistance is brewing among Mariupol's residents. In the shadows of night, dissenters are re-asserting their Ukrainian identity by spray-painting the national colors and distributing leaflets proclaiming “Mariupol is Ukraine.” They also play an essential role in gathering intelligence for Ukrainian military efforts.
James reveals his involvement, stating his need to document and relay information about military movements, risking severe consequences if caught. The clandestine operations have led to sabotage attempts that, though dangerous, embody a spirit of resilience in the face of oppression.
For residents still living in Mariupol, every day is fraught with tension—fear of surveillance manifests in how they communicate and live. The threat of arrest looms over them, while government narratives push the idea of peace and concession. However, many locals firmly oppose any proposals that could lead to territorial compromises, viewing them as betrayals of their struggle and sacrifices.
As diplomatic negotiations between Ukraine and Russia unfold, the cries for liberation from a populace long-suffering under occupation resonate deeply. Residents express a unified sentiment: “We don’t want ‘peace at any cost’. We want liberation.”