Why in News: It has become the most heavily bombed and damaged city in Ukraine’s war with Russia
About
It is a city in Ukraine, on the north coast of the Sea of Azov at the mouth of the Kalmius river, in the Pryazovia region.
While internationally recognized as in Ukraine, the city is under the de facto administration of the Donetsk People’s Republic.
Taking the port city would be a strategic win for Russia – and a major blow for Ukraine:
If Mariupol was seized, Russia would also end up with full control of more than 80% of Ukraine’s Black Sea coastline – cutting off its maritime trade and further isolating it from the world.
Mariupol is a key export hub for Ukraine’s steel, coal, and corn going to customers in the Middle East and beyond.
