Russians plan manufacturing hub at devastated Azovmash in Mariupol

The NRC described the occupiers' plans as "far from reality" as the Russians are systematically eradicating the entire industrial infrastructure of Donbas.

"Once again we state the marauding logic of the Russians’ thinking," the NRC said.

Russian engineers arriving to rebuild Azovmash for Russia will become a "target" for partisans, the NRC warned, emphasizing that accountability for their actions is inevitable.

Azovmash, a significant machine-building concern in Ukraine specializing in wagon building and heavy machinery, was founded in 1958.

At the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, some Ukrainian fighters, including marines from the 36th brigade, were stationed on the factory grounds.

Subsequently, some military personnel joined the resistance at the Azovstal plant, while others fell into Russian captivity.

Ukrainian defenders endured a three-month defense of Mariupol under extremely challenging conditions, thwarting 20,000 Russian invaders from entering Zaporizhzhya and Donetsk oblasts.