The Russians plan to turn Azovstal into a tourist park, - Mariupol City Council (photo)
The invaders believe that it will be able to attract potential tourists to the city. "Thus, the invaders are trying to destroy everything reminiscent of Ukrainian resistance to the Russian invasion. After all," Azovstal "became the real fortress of our defenders, who defended Mariupol in the spring of 2022 for 86 days," - said in the message of Mariupol City Council. It should be noted that the fighting in Mariupol continues from the first day of the Russian military invasion.
The invaders were able to block the city, while the Ukrainian military was defense at the Azovstal plant. During the fighting for Mariupol on April 19, 2022, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation for the first time attacked Azovstal with inflammatory or phosphorus bombs later evacuated the defenders of "Azovstal". Many who managed to get out of the environment, after which they were captured. Still, despite agreements with Russia, many are in prison.
The occupiers themselves first thought of demolishing "Azovstal". It was planned that a park area or technopark would appear on the site of the enterprise. Subsequently, it was reported that the occupation administration in Mariupol was not going to stop the Azovstal plant, as it employs several thousand locals. Instead, the company decided to consecrate to "expel the demons". At the same time, the Russians tried to exchange the plant.