TFIGlobal
TFIGlobal
TFIPOST English
TFIPOST हिन्दी
No Result
View All Result
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Americas
  • Canada
  • Indian Subcontinent
  • West Asia
  • Europe
  • Africa
  • The Caribbean
TFIGlobal
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Americas
  • Canada
  • Indian Subcontinent
  • West Asia
  • Europe
  • Africa
  • The Caribbean
No Result
View All Result
TFIGlobal
TFIGlobal
No Result
View All Result
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Americas
  • Canada
  • Indian Subcontinent
  • West Asia
  • Europe
  • Africa
  • The Caribbean

The strategic importance of Mariupol for Russia

Akshay Narang by Akshay Narang
March 23, 2022
in Geopolitics, Russia
Mariupol, Russia, Ukraine war
Share on FacebookShare on X

The Ukrainian city of Mariupol has been under siege by Russian forces for over 20 days now. Local authorities say that 80% of the city’s infrastructure has been destroyed.

The city is enduring a phase without water, electricity, medical supplies, and food. So, it is becoming largely unsustainable for Ukraine to hold on to the city. Once it falls, Russia will get a major advantage in the ongoing war, which explains Russia’s focus and mobilization around Mariupol.

Also Read

Trump readies oil embargo to punish Russia, with 500% tariffs on India and China

North Korea to ‘unconditionally support Russia’s territorial integrity’

Russia Warns of Nuclear Tsunami: Will USA Become “Stalin Strait”?

Strategic location

Mariupol is just a city after all. It occupies a small territory. However, its location is quite strategic as it sits in between Crimea and the separatist-held, pro-Russia Donbas region of Eastern Ukraine.

For Russian forces coming out of Crimea, occupying Mariupol will allow them to push north-east and link up with the Donbas region. General Sir Richard Barrons, a British military veteran said, “When the Russians feel they have successfully concluded that battle, they will have completed a land bridge from Russia to Crimea and they will see this as a major strategic success.”

Read more: Crimea was annexed in 2014 but was consolidated in 2022

Strangulation of the Ukrainian economy

Occupying Mariupol will also allow Russia to put the Ukrainian economy under serious stress.

Mariupol is a major industrial center for Ukraine. It is known as a metallurgical stronghold for iron and steelworks, manufacturing of heavy machinery, and ship repairs. Metinvest, Ukraine’s leading metallurgical group, owns some of the country’s largest steel plants in Mariupol.

And then, Mariupol is also an important port for Ukraine. It is the largest port in the Azov Sea region. It serves as a key export base for shipping grain, iron and steel, and heavy machinery to European and Middle East countries like Italy, Lebanon, and Turkey.

Once Russia occupies Mariupol, it will practically gain control of 80% of Ukraine’s Black Sea coastline. It will be in a position to substantially isolate Ukraine and cut off its maritime trade with the rest of the world. Ultimately, Ukraine’s ability to continue fighting the war will witness an erosion beyond recovery.

Putin’s de-Nazification agenda

When the Russia-Ukraine war started, Russian President Vladimir Putin had talked about the ‘de-Nazification’ and ‘demilitarisation’ of Ukraine. Putin was referring to the far-right and racist groups in Ukraine’s police and military forces like the Azov Brigade.

Read more: So, who exactly are the ‘Neo-Nazis’ that Putin wants to exterminate?

Azov Brigade, which historically includes neo-Nazis, has deep roots in Mariupol. Azov Brigade’s neo-Nazi outlook isn’t subtle either. Its emblem features a ‘Wolfsangel’ and ‘Black Sun,’ signs that are associated with Nazi Germany and neo-Nazis today.

Finally, Mariupol lies in the separatist-held Donetsk People’s Republic. Before the war, Putin had recognized Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic. So, wresting control of the city from Ukraine is a top military objective for Moscow.

Moreover, Mariupol is also a part of Putin’s idea of “Novorossiya”, which is a territory that stretches across Eastern and Southern Ukraine along the Black Sea coastline. Putin views it as “historically Russian lands”. Therefore, apart from all the strategic importance that Mariupol carries, there is also a lot of symbolism, ideological significance, and messaging involved.

Russia is sitting in a very comfortable position with the siege of Mariupol. And once the city falls, it will go down as a big turning point in the war.

Tags: Black SeaDonbasMariupolRussiarussia ukraine crisisukraine warVladimir Putin
ShareTweetSend
Akshay Narang

Akshay Narang

Patriot, Political Analyst, International Relations expert

Also Read

GPS Interference Could Push NATO to Target Russian Installations

NATO Warns: Civilian Crash from Russian GPS Jamming Could Spark Military Action on Kaliningrad

July 15, 2025
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy: Russia Making War the ‘New Normal,’ Praises Trump’s Support

Zelenskyy says Russia ‘Not Ready for Peace’, Thanks Trump for Patriot Missile Delivery

July 15, 2025
Did the UK Hide 24,000 Afghan Refugees? Secret Operation Revealed

24000 Afghans are being “RELOCATED” to the UK after Govt “DATA LEAK”; Secret Operation Revealed

July 15, 2025
US-NATO Weapon Deal: Europe Agrees to Buy US Arms for Ukraine—But Is It That Simple?

US-NATO Weapon Deal: Europe to Fund American Weapons for Ukraine—But What’s the Real Deal?

July 15, 2025
Another Ukraine? NATO prepares Moldova to be its ‘Battering Ram’ against Russia

Another Ukraine? NATO prepares Moldova to be its ‘Battering Ram’ against Russia

July 15, 2025
North Korea's Military Strength Surges After Deployment to Ukraine

North Korea Says It’s Ready for Military Action After US Bomber Drill; Ukraine Claims Kim Jong Un’s military has ‘HUGELY IMPROVED’

July 15, 2025
Youtube Twitter Facebook
TFIGlobalTFIGlobal
Right Arm. Round the World. FAST.
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • TFIPOST – English
  • TFIPOST हिन्दी
  • Careers
  • Brand Partnerships
  • Terms of use
  • Privacy Policy

©2025 - TFI MEDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Americas
  • Canada
  • Indian Subcontinent
  • West Asia
  • Europe
  • Africa
  • The Caribbean
TFIPOST English
TFIPOST हिन्दी

©2025 - TFI MEDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. View our Privacy and Cookie Policy.