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Ukrainian community marks Mariupol theatre tragedy outside performance venue
Members of Bristol’s Ukrainian community have gathered to mark the fourth anniversary of the bombing of the Mariupol Drama Theatre, one of the deadliest attacks on civilians since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Organised by Ukraine Aid and Welfare, the event took place on Monday outside Bristol Hippodrome.
The participants held signs spelling “KIDS” and “ДІТИ” and placed children’s toys in tribute to those killed.
On March 16 2022, a Russian airstrike destroyed the Donetsk Academic Regional Drama Theatre in Mariupol, where hundreds of civilians had been sheltering despite the building being clearly marked with the word “children”.
Four years ago a Russian airstrike destroyed the Mariupol theatre, where hundreds of civilians had been sheltering – photo: Amnesty International
At least 600 people are believed to have died.
Amnesty International later concluded the attack constituted a war crime, citing evidence that the theatre was a civilian target.
Antonina Grebeniuk, founder and director of Ukraine Aid and Welfare, said: “The bombing of the Mariupol Drama Theatre remains one of the most painful war crimes against civilians.
“The word ‘children’ was written outside the building to protect those sheltering inside, yet the attack still happened. Today we gather not only to remember those who were lost, but also to ensure their stories are never forgotten.”
At the time, Mariupol was under siege, with heavy bombardment, shortages of food and water and civilians trapped in the city.
The destruction of the theatre became a stark symbol of the humanitarian cost of the war.
The Bristol gathering formed part of a wider international show of solidarity, with Ukrainian communities around the world holding similar events.
Organisers also highlighted the resilience of Mariupol’s theatre community and the importance of continuing to share the stories of civilians affected by the war.
Ukraine Aid and Welfare continues to support Ukrainian families in the region through cultural, educational and community programmes, while working to raise awareness of the war’s human cost.
In 2024, Ukraine Aid and Welfare established a school to help preserve Ukrainian language and culture for the younger generation.
The participants held signs spelling “KIDS” and “ДІТИ” and placed children’s toys in tribute to those killed – photo: UAW
In addition to the Ukrainian school in Bristol, another Ukrainian school has recently opened in South Gloucestershire, offering structured education and community support for children from families rebuilding their lives in the region.
The school runs during term time on Saturdays at St Michael’s Centre near Bristol Parkway station, with support from South Gloucestershire Council and its Resettlement Communities Team.
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Main photo: UAW
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