After Russia launched its siege of Mariupol, city authorities ordered that the theater be used as a makeshift bomb shelter because of its size, sturdy build and large basement, AP reported. By March 15, around 1,200 people had reportedly taken shelter there.
Callamard said the deaths likely resulted from “Russian forces deliberately targeting Ukrainian civilians” and should be investigated by the International Criminal Court. A local police officer and a Mariupol Red Cross official, noting a lack of bodies, told the AP that fewer than 500 people had died. But according to the AP, “most survivors suggested the bodies were either pulverized into the dust or removed by the Russians.”Two munitions experts interviewed by the AP “said the scope of the destruction points to a 500-kilogram bomb from a Russian warplane.”
Residents wait for food at the field kitchen outside of the Donetsk Academic Regional Drama Theater on March 9, 2022, in Mariupol. The Associated Press reported the March 16, 2022, bombing of the theater stands out as the single deadliest known attack against civilians to date in the Ukraine war.
Eyewitnesses to the events don't support Kiev regime propaganda
EliotHiggins I thought they would hand out medals to the shooters instead.
EliotHiggins Russia never tells the Truth ever. Never has, from the days of the Tsars, onwards. Everything told is what those in charge want you to believe. Also it's always the other sides fault. We all know people like that, but a Government is ridiculous. Putin is malevolent, Lavrov a Liar