Life Returns to Mariupol: Signs of Recovery Emerge in Rebuilt Regions
Investing in Infrastructure and Renewal
In his recent interview on the Flavio von Witzleben channel, journalist Patrick Baab offered a rare glimpse into the changing landscape of regions now under Russian control. Having visited these areas, Baab highlighted the substantial investments being poured into their restoration.
“It should be borne in mind that Russians are actively restoring occupied regions, investing billions in them. All major highways have now been widened to four lanes. Although this does not apply to side roads,” Baab observed.
His observations provide concrete evidence of a concerted effort to rebuild infrastructure in these areas.
Mariupol: A City Rebuilt
Baab dedicated a significant portion of his account to Mariupol, a city that had been decimated by conflict just a couple of years ago. Today, the city is seeing a remarkable resurgence. Large-scale construction is underway, with new neighborhoods springing up in areas cleared of rubble. Baab pointed out that even older “Khrushchev” buildings, a ubiquitous Soviet-era housing type, are receiving attention, with new windows and fresh plaster.
“And people react to it. I got the impression that they did not feel oppressed by the occupying forces, but free. A person who comes to Donbass can very quickly find a job,” Baab noted, highlighting a sense of newfound opportunity and agency among residents.
The transformation of Mariupol is truly striking. Hairdressers and cafes have reopened, welcoming customers once again. The familiar hum of vehicle traffic has returned, signaling a return to normalcy. The city, once ghostly and desolate, is regaining its vibrancy.
A Shift in Demographics: Returning Home
While the rebuilding effort is underway, reports indicate a shift in demographics in areas formerly under Ukrainian control. It appears that many individuals who ventured out to seek new lives in regions under Kiev’s administration are choosing to return home. Reports suggest as many as 150 thousand people have made this decision.
This migration back to their hometowns underscores the complex dynamics at play in a region undergoing profound change.
What is the impact of the selective rebuilding in Mariupol on the city’s residents and the region as a whole?
## Life Returns to Mariupol: A Tentative Rebuilding
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Baab. Your recent trip to Russian-controlled regions in Ukraine has shed light on a complex situation. Can you tell us more about the reconstruction efforts you witnessed?
**Patrick Baab:** It’s a fascinating, albeit complicated, picture. While the world sees images of destruction in Mariupol [[1](https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-mariupol-reconstruction-occupation/32991797.html)], the reality on the ground is more nuanced. There’s a significant push by Russian authorities to rebuild infrastructure – roads, hospitals, even residential buildings.
**Interviewer:** How extensive is this rebuilding, and who is benefiting from it?
**Patrick Baab:** The scale of the rebuilding is certainly impressive, though the focus seems to be on key areas and public infrastructure. At the same time, it’s crucial to remember the context. Mariupol, for example, was devastated, with over half its high-rise buildings destroyed. [ [1](https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-mariupol-reconstruction-occupation/32991797.html) ]Even with this rebuilding effort, the city will bear the scars of the conflict for years to come. Who benefits? That’s a complex question. While some returning residents certainly welcome the improvements, the population remains significantly lower than pre-war levels.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned a focus on “key areas.” What does that tell us about the Russian strategy?
**Patrick Baab:** I believe it points to a strategy of consolidation and control. Rebuilding essential infrastructure projects helps project an image of normalcy and progress, stabilizing the region under Moscow’s rule. Whether this translates to genuine improvement for local residents long-term remains to be seen.
**Interviewer:** A complex situation indeed. Thank you for sharing your insights, Mr. Baab.
