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Putin's visit to Mariupol: What the Russian president saw in the bombed-out city

Politiko 2023-03-20 09:26:43

Putin's visit to Mariupol: What the Russian president saw in the bombed-out

Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday paid his first visit to Mariupol, the port city destroyed by Russian bombing in Ukraine.

The BBC has traced part of the route he took, which passed by the locations of several infamous attacks during his army's months-long offensive. Russia finally captured the city in May.

Video released by Russian media shows Putin chatting with an entourage as they head to the city's concert hall. The Kremlin says the visit took place late Saturday and Putin spontaneously decided to visit the city.

The exiled Ukrainian mayor of Mariupol, Vadym Boychenko, told the BBC that Mariupol was personal to Putin because of what had happened there.

"We have to understand that Mariupol is a symbolic place for Putin, because of the fury he caused in the city of Mariupol. No other city was destroyed like this. No other city was under siege for so long. No other city was subjected to carpet bombing" , he said.

Putin's visit to Mariupol: What the Russian president saw in the bombed-out

The BBC identified some of the key historical points along the Russian leader's route. Mr. Putin appears to be traveling down Kuprina Street, turning to Myru Avenue and then to Metalurhiv Avenue, where the Philharmonic Concert Hall is and which he later visits on sight.

He is sitting next to a man in a black hat, who Russian media have identified as Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnull.

To his left as they cross Myru Avenue are bird sculptures in what used to be Mariupol's Freedom Square.

Further to the right and out of sight is Mariupol Maternity Hospital Number Three, which was bombed in an infamous incident last March.

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