Mariupol is one of the Ukrainian cities that has already been occupied by russians twice. The first time was in 2014. Learn more about the heroic liberation of the city and how history is repeating itself today

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In 2014, on June 13, the Ukrainian military, together with volunteer groups, liberated Mariupol from pro-russian terrorists. Since that event, this day has been celebrated every year as a symbol of the victory of the Ukrainian people over the occupation forces. Here's how Ukrainians liberated Mariupol and why history repeats itself.

Liberation of Mariupol in 2014

The first confrontation between Ukrainians and pro-russian terrorists began in 2014, almost immediately after the escape of former President Viktor Yanukovych. The militants became more active after russia seized Crimea.

In April 2014, terrorist groups began seizing Ukrainian government buildings in the city, including the city council and the Department of Internal Affairs. Later, the city fell under the control of separatists.

It is worth noting that in the same month, Ukraine announced the launch of the anti-terrorist operation (ATO), which aimed to regain control of all areas in the east of the country captured by militants.

In an attempt to retake the city, the occupiers put up armed resistance, attacking the Interior Ministry and other law enforcement facilities. Unfortunately, people were killed during the fighting in the city center. 

The Ukrainian side, for its part, decided to temporarily withdraw the National Guard from the city to prevent a numerous of casualties among the local population. Thus, Mariupol was under the control of the russian occupation forces for a month.

After the withdrawal, Ukraine began preparing an operation to liberate the city. On June 13, 2014, the city was liberated by the efforts of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the Azov Regiment.

This victory was an important step in the defense of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Back then, our military showed that they would fight for every inch of their homeland to the very end.

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History is repeating itself. Mariupol today

In 2022, after the russian army's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Mariupol became one of the main targets of the occupiers. The fighting for the city lasted more than 3 months. During the period of active fighting, the russians destroyed most of the city's civilian and industrial infrastructure.

As you know, for more than 1.5 months, the russian occupiers kept the Ukrainian military surrounded at the Azovstal plant. The heroes of Ukraine bravely defended the last free part of the city.

Today, Mariupol has been under russian occupation for more than a year, but the Armed Forces have launched counter-offensive operations that will definitely lead to the liberation of the Ukrainian city.

It is worth noting that after the arrival of the "russian world" in Ukraine, most of the cities faced insidious shelling and bombing, which almost completely wiped them off the map. Mariupol was also among those cities.

However, there is no doubt that the Ukrainian army will be able to regain control of the occupied territories and our country will rebuild such beautiful cities as Mariupol.

We remind you! According to the latest reports from the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are succeeding in several areas of the frontline during counteroffensives. We will tell you which settlements have already been liberated and how the map of hostilities in Ukraine has changed here.

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