On March 16, 2022, Russian forces dropped aerial bombs on the Mariupol Drama Theater, where hundreds of Ukrainians were sheltering from shelling in the basement. The exact number of people killed under the rubble remains unknown, but it is believed to be at least 600.
Russia carried out the attack despite the word “CHILDREN” being written in large white letters on the square in front of the theater for Russian aircraft, as many children were sheltering inside.
Russia later boasted about the “reconstruction” of the Mariupol Drama Theater building. Work began in the summer of 2023, with the basement fully filled with concrete, allegedly to conceal evidence of the crime. A new structure was built on the site where hundreds of Ukrainians died, with victims’ bodies likely still beneath it.
However, Ukrainians continue to remember the tragedy. In 2026, on the fourth anniversary of the attack, memorial events were held in cities across Ukraine.
“To preserve the memory of these tragic events and prevent them from being forgotten, the Donetsk Regional State Administration, together with the regional military administration and with the support of Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture, initiated a peaceful action marking the fourth anniversary of the Day of Remembrance for the victims of the airstrike in Mariupol. As part of this initiative, the word ‘CHILDREN’ is recreated in front of the main entrances to theaters across Ukraine, and candles are lit as a sign of mourning, remembrance and solidarity,” the Donetsk Regional State Administration said.
Last year, 79 Ukrainian theaters took part in the commemoration. In 2026, representatives of 87 theater groups placed the word “CHILDREN” in front of their main entrances.
In Odesa, among the participants was 17-year-old Hanna Karpenko, who had lived in Mariupol with her family. She left the city with her relatives a day before the airstrike.
“The Mariupol Drama Theater is a place of strength for me. I studied ballet there for four years. It was a very strong and solid place. A home. My friend was there — sadly, his mother died. And there are thousands of such stories. This must be remembered. We must not forget this tragedy or Mariupol,” Hanna told Suspilne.
Mariupol city officials said that commemorations took place in 20 cities across Ukraine. Smaller theaters also joined, including the Dnipro City Puppet Theater.
Commemorations abroad
People also gathered in European countries to remember those killed by Russian forces in Mariupol. In Prague, Czechia, an event titled “Mariupol Theater — Four Years Later” was held, Ukrinform reported. The action took place on the roof of the National Theatre, where candles were arranged to spell “CHILDREN.”
A memorial event was also held in Milan, Italy. Participants in the “Souls of Mariupol” flash mob formed the word “CHILDREN” with their bodies in a city square and released white balloons into the sky, symbolizing the souls of those killed in Mariupol.