Russia relocates 50,000 immigrants to occupied Mariupol as population halves post-invasion

The Ukrainian Pravda reports that it is estimated that only half the population that resided in Mariupol before the Russian invasion currently remains there. To replace the dwindling population, economic immigrants from poorer regions of the Russian Federation and Central Asian countries are being moved into the region. The aim is to "accelerate the rate of assimilation of the Ukrainian population" in the city, as stated by the National Resistance Center.

A representative of the center stated that individuals with criminal backgrounds are deliberately being relocated into the occupied territories. Their introduction is intended to create "new spheres of influence." The arrival of these newcomers has led to the formation of new crime groups, dividing based on nationality.

Mariupol, as well as the occupied portion of the Kherson region in southern Ukraine, has seen a noticeable influx of economic immigrants from Belarus.

Prior to the Russian invasion, Mariupol was the third largest city in eastern Ukraine. According to data from 2021, nearly 432,000 people resided there. In 2023, information provided by the Russian occupation authorities stated a population of 300,000 residents. From this number, 70,000 are Russian military personnel and laborers involved in the construction of new residences in the city, which has been almost completely destroyed by the Russian army.

Mariupol was a culturally diverse city with a rich history before the outbreak of war. In 2021, Ukrainians made up 48 percent of the population, Russians 44 percent, and Greeks 4 percent.