DistantNews
Support us
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Culture & Society

Russians Snap Up New Homes Built on Ukraine 'Graveyard'

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Russians are purchasing new homes in Mariupol, built by a Russian contractor on the site of destroyed buildings.
  • Former residents describe their homes being hit by missiles and residents forced out by Russian troops.
  • New apartments are being offered with cheap mortgages to Russian citizens, attracting incomers like security personnel and officials.

In Mariupol, a Russian construction firm is rapidly building new apartment blocks on sites where residential buildings were destroyed during the conflict. These new developments, part of a complex known as Leningradsky Kvartal, are being purchased by Russians, some of whom are reportedly moving into areas built over what former residents call a 'graveyard' of their former lives.

It's my beloved city. When I look at the photos, it brings tears to my eyes. I know every crack in the asphalt, every tree.

— Halyna ArtemovaAn English teacher describing her connection to Mariupol before its destruction.

Halyna Artemova, an English teacher who lived in Mariupol for nearly 40 years, recounted how her apartment block on Metallurgy Avenue 87 was struck by a missile in March 2022. Photographer Yevhen Sosnovsky, whose apartment building next door was also destroyed and caught fire, stated, "They're building on human bones, and fast, to eradicate the traces of their crimes."

I did everything myself, all the interior renovations, and the furniture. We invested a lot in it; we planned to spend our twilight years there, living quietly.

— Yevhen SosnovskyA photographer describing his home and plans before it was destroyed.

Residents who have moved into the new buildings communicate in online forums, discussing furniture delivery from Russia and choosing schools for their children. A key requirement for documentation is Russian origin. Some residents express frustration with ongoing renovations, questioning if opponents of Russian laws are present.

They're building on human bones, and fast, to eradicate the traces of their crimes.

— Yevhen SosnovskyA former resident commenting on the rapid construction over destroyed buildings.

Economist Vyacheslav Shiryaev noted that the primary buyers are Russian security personnel, officials, and those involved in military logistics. He also mentioned individuals seeking seaside living who find these options more affordable than Crimea or Sochi. Russian citizens are being offered attractive 2% annual interest rate mortgages for up to 6 million rubles (approximately €63,000/$72,000).

In chats, they ask how they can get furniture delivered from Russia, or which kindergarten or school they should choose for their children.

— UnknownDescribing online discussions among new residents of the Leningradsky Kvartal complex.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog