Moscow is turning occupied Ukrainian cities into military bases for further aggression. In Mariupol, captured in 2022, Russian forces have established two military bases at the Azovstal steel plant, according to Petro Andriushchenko, head of the Center for the Study of Occupation, UNIAN reports.
Azovstal became a symbol of Ukraine’s resistance. As Mariupol’s final bastion, thousands of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians held out against relentless Russian attacks. The plant-turned-fortress endured blockade, airstrikes, artillery shelling, incendiary and phosphorus munitions. Its defense ended after three months following the order to stop resisting and exit the bunkers. About 2,000 Ukrainian troops surrendered and were taken captive by Russian forces.
According to Andriushchenko, one of the new bases was established in the last two months.
“This shows the level of militarization of Mariupol. Russian forces are relocating military assets mainly from Russia’s Rostov Oblast. Mariupol is no longer just a logistical crossroads. It is becoming a full-scale military logistics base,” he reveals.
Andriushchenko says that each base at Azovstal originated from simple military checkpoints set up on the site.
He explains the location was chosen because it is hidden from outside surveillance, with no nearby residential buildings and difficult access due to fencing, making it safer for Russian troops.
“Let’s not forget that these bunkers and underground shelters once served to protect civilians and our Mariupol garrison. Now the Russians are repurposing them and succeeding in it,” Andriushchenko adds.
The Russian authorities do not care about the fate of the occupied cities or their residents. What matters to them is using these territories as staging grounds for continuing the war against Ukraine.
Nearly all Ukrainian cities under occupation are being turned into military footholds, logistical hubs, and bases for further aggression. At the same time, Russians forcibly conscript Ukrainians, often coercing them into fighting against their own country.
For example, in Crimea, people are leaving due to constant air raid sirens, explosions, and the overwhelming military presence, unable to endure the unrelenting stress and danger.
Russians in Crimea pack up as relentless sound of air alerts and sight of tanks become their new reality