On March 9, 2022, Russian occupation forces carried out an airstrike on a medical complex in the center of Mariupol. The bombing completely destroyed maternity hospital No. 3 and partially destroyed the city hospital. This strike was one of many crimes against the civilian population during the siege of the city.
At the time of the air strike, patients and medical staff were in the medical facility. As a result of the attack, civilians, including pregnant women, were killed and wounded. Images of destroyed wards, ravaged corridors, and people being rescued from the rubble spread around the world. The strike on the maternity hospital — a place where life is born — became a symbol of the cynicism and cruelty of war against the civilian population.
International organizations and the governments of many countries condemned the air strike as a gross violation of international humanitarian law, which prohibits attacks on civilian objects and medical facilities. The incident became the subject of an international investigation into war crimes committed during the Russian Federation's armed aggression against Ukraine.
Four years have passed. However, this date remains a painful wound for Ukraine. The maternity hospital in Mariupol has forever become a symbol of shattered hopes and a test of humanity for the whole world.
Honoring the memory of those who died, we remember not only the tragedy, but also the resilience of Ukrainians. Even in the darkest days of the siege, doctors continued to save lives, and residents supported each other. The memory of these events is part of Ukraine's modern history and a testament to the price the people pay for freedom and the right to live on their land.
Throughout Ukraine's war of Independence, the region has endured occupation, destruction, loss, and large-scale combat operations. But despite everything, Donetsk Oblast continues to fight. Its cities and communities remain part of Ukraine not only on the map, but also in the hearts of the people. Remembering the tragedies, we at the same time affirm our resilience and faith that justice and peace will prevail.