, Columnist
Why Mariupol Matters to Ukraine and Russia
The port city has great symbolic and strategic value for both sides.
More carnage to come.
Photographer: Christopher Occhicone/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Mariupol, a port city on the Sea of Azov, has become the focus of international attention in the fourth week of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. After heavy bombardment, including strikes on civilian targets, Moscow demanded the surrender the city by sunrise on Monday.
The Ukrainian government rejected the ultimatum, and it seems inevitable that Russia will intensify its assault. Indeed, President Vladimir Putin seems to be fixated on taking Mariupol — even as his forces are stalled elsewhere in the country.