The Sun has Set Over Kyiv on the 1580th Day of the Full-Scale Invasion. The Mariupol Drama Theater bombing, which killed hundreds, including children sheltering inside – one of Russia’s war crimes

The attack on the Mariupol Drama Theater was one of the most notorious Russian atrocities in its near four-year full-scale invasion of Ukraine, reportedly killing hundreds of civilians — including children — who were sheltering in the basement and destroying one of the city’s cultural icons.

What Happened To The Theater?

The attack on the theater took place as Russian forces were advancing into Mariupol at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, in March 2022.

Civilians were using it as a bomb shelter and a large sign had been placed outside saying “Children.”

At least 12 deaths were documented, but city authorities said some 300 people were killed and a later investigation by the Associated Press recorded 600 fatalities.

The attack was widely condemned as a war crime. Russia has denied carrying out the attack.

But on December 28, [2025] all of this was forgotten as Russian occupation authorities staged a show with music and fancy-dress costumes on the newly reconstructed stage. Actors from St. Petersburg were dressed as pirates, harlequins, and 18th-century ladies, while a singer crooned in a tuxedo.

[https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-mariupol-theater-ukraine-bombing/33635456.html](https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-mariupol-theater-ukraine-bombing/33635456.html)

Fuck russia

Slava Ukraini!