Reality Check in Mariupol: Disillusion Amidst Russian Propaganda

Even as Russia claims to be revitalizing Mariupol, its residents expose the city’s grim conditions, facing water shortages, food scarcity, and a heavy-handed educational propaganda agenda, while some risk their lives to resist and document ongoing atrocities.

Ukrainian residents living under Russian control in Mariupol have voiced strong discontent regarding official narratives propagated by Russian state media, which depict a city allegedly on the path to recovery. In stark contrast, locals emphasize that the grim realities of life in post-occupied Mariupol tell a different story. A resident, who we will refer to as John for his safety, described the coverage as “fairy tales for fools,” revealing that most of the city remains in ruins with urban infrastructure visibly shattered.

More than three years have passed since Russia took Mariupol following a devastating siege that saw thousands fall victim to indiscriminate bombing. The United Nations reported that around 90% of the city’s residential areas were either damaged or obliterated. Recently, Russian influencers have circulated videos showcasing a transformed Mariupol, claiming that life has returned to normal, but conversations with numerous residents, both within and those who have escaped, laid bare a contrasting reality.

A sense of betrayal reverberates among former residents like 66-year-old Olha Onyshko, now living in Ternopil, Ukraine. Olha described the once-beautiful city as "now diseased," stating that only select buildings near the central square were superficially repaired to fit the narrative for media coverage, while much of the city remains a ghost of its former self. The horror of the aftermath is further compounded by the failure to properly handle the dead during cleanup efforts, a grim reminder of the siege's brutality.

Additionally, residents highlight chronic issues such as severe water shortages. James, another resident whose name has been altered for safety, explained that water is often unavailable for days at a time, with the little that does flow being of dubious quality, with reports likening it to "Coca-Cola." The critical water infrastructure, notably the Siverskyi Donets-Donbas Canal, was severely impacted by the earlier military engagement. According to Serhii Orlov, an official in exile, only one reservoir remains to cater to the current population's needs, which cannot suffice under prolonged occupation.

The situation is exacerbated by power outages, expensive food costs, and a lack of essential medical supplies. Diabetic residents are struggling to secure affordable insulin, drawing attention to health crises facing a beleaguered populace. Attempts to engage authorities for clarification on these shortages have yielded no response.

Perhaps most disturbingly, residents report a fearsome educational environment where children are indoctrinated with pro-Russian propaganda. Topics such as the representation of various Ukrainian regions as part of Russia are common in curricula, coupled with lessons glorifying Russia's military presence. This information fosters tension among locals, as John relayed the agony of witnessing the next generation undergo what he characterized as 'reprogramming.'

Woven into this fabric of fear and deceit is an undercurrent of resistance among some Ukrainians, who bravely practice covert acts of opposition against the occupiers. Graffiti messages like "Liberate Mariupol" and "Mariupol is Ukraine" emerge on walls, serving as both a defiant rallying cry for fellow citizens and a beacon of hope. James, a member of the resistance, oversees the unofficial collection of intelligence regarding Russian military movements, documenting key activities that could aid the Ukrainian military.

The clandestine defiance highlights the dangers faced both by those resisting openly and those who merely wish to live their lives in dignity. Individuals have been arrested on suspicion of collaborating with Ukrainians, fostering a climate of suspicion and fear. The threat of exposure and reprisal looms large, making every communication a potential risk.

As peace negotiations are hinted at, Maruipol's residents stand firm in their resolve. They refuse to accept a 'peace at any cost' proposition, standing against the notion of trading away their homeland. "We want liberation," John affirms, underscoring the unwavering spirit of resistance that continues to define Mariupol amid shadows of despair.