How Moscow is trying to turn Mariupol into a city to live in - for Russians

One of the most depressing reports coming out of the war in Ukraine was the revelation that Russia has been building new apartments in Mariupol in the south and inviting Russian families to come and live there. Moscow wants to Russify Mariupol which Russian artillery and cruise missiles effectively destroyed about a year ago. The city on the north end of the Sea of Azov was turned into a graveyard of dead civilians and destroyed buildings. It was an annihilation programme, carried out with total brutality despite brave rearguard defensive action by a Ukrainian military unit. Now Russians are moving in to new apartments, even though much of the city centre is still awash with destruction. It's a cynical exercise by the Kremlin to try and retain control and possession of a once great Ukrainian city. It will lose its Ukrainian status. Residents will be expected to talk Russian, have Russian passports and no doubt swear loyalty and allegiance to Vladimir Putin. It's exactly what Hitler did when he took over Poland. I need say no more.