Mariupol

Mariupol is a city in Donetsk Oblast, southeastern Ukraine, located on the north coast of the Sea of Azov at the mouth of the Kalmius River. It functions as an important port and industrial center, with maritime trade and heavy industry playing central roles in its economy. The city is connected by road and rail to other parts of Ukraine and to the broader Donbas region.

The settlement was founded in 1778 as a port and fortress under the Russian Empire and grew into a major industrial center in later centuries. It was renamed Zhdanov in 1948 in honor of a Soviet official and reverted to the name Mariupol in 1990 after Ukraine gained independence. The city has a diverse population and a history that includes a notable Greek minority and various Orthodox and other religious communities. The Kalmius River and the adjacent coastline have shaped its urban and industrial development.

Economically, Mariupol hosts significant metallurgical enterprises, including the Illich Iron and Steel Works and the Azovstal Iron and Steel Works, as well as a major port on the Sea of Azov that handles steel, grain, and other cargo. The city has industrial facilities, transport infrastructure, and a range of urban services that support its role as a regional hub.

In 2022, Mariupol was the site of intense fighting during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, leading to extensive destruction and a period of occupation. International concern has focused on humanitarian needs, reconstruction, and the city's status in the conflict and postwar period.