Russia reopens Mariupol theatre as critics call it 'dancing on bones'.

Russia reopened the Mariupol Drama Theatre this week; Ukrainian officials and international groups criticised the move because the building was bombed in March 2022 while civilians were sheltering there.

Russia has reopened the Mariupol Drama Theatre, and performances resumed this week. The building was bombed in March 2022 after Russian forces invaded and people had been sheltering there. International human rights organisations reported 12 deaths in the attacks, while Ukrainian sources have said higher totals. Mariupol has been occupied by Russian forces since the city’s defenders were overwhelmed. Key facts: - The theatre was struck in March 2022 at a time when civilians were sheltering inside; the word "children" had been painted on the building earlier as a warning. - International rights organisations reported 12 deaths; Ukrainian officials have stated that the overall number of casualties is higher. - Russian authorities restored the theatre and reopened it this week, and performances reportedly include many works by Russian writers. - Mariupol’s Ukrainian city council, which fled when Russian forces arrived, described the reopening as "singing and dancing on bones" and said the restoration was a cynical attempt to conceal traces of a war crime and to promote Russification. Summary: The reopening has drawn condemnation from Ukrainian officials and human rights groups because of the theatre's 2022 bombing and the reported deaths. Russian authorities say they restored the cultural site and resumed performances. Undetermined at this time.