Ukrainians in Istanbul mark 2nd anniversary of airstrike on Mariupol theater

By Sukru Gunduz

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukrainian citizens in Istanbul marked the second anniversary of the bombing of a theater building used as a shelter in Ukraine's Mariupol city.

Hundreds of people lost their lives in the airstrike carried out on March 16, 2022, amid the Russia-Ukraine war.

Gathering in the Beyoglu district, Ukrainian citizens displayed banners with photos of children and soldiers killed in the war.

They also exhibited a photo showing the theater building in Mariupol before the bombing.

Speaking on behalf of the Ukrainian Cultural Association, member Aliya Usenova accused Russia of committing “war crimes” in Ukraine.

Usenova emphasized the need for Russia to end its "occupation" and attacks, saying: “They should not forget that we have always been a free people. We will remain a free people. Believe me, we are paying a very heavy price for this. Russia, coming to our lands, is a terrorist."

According to international organizations, at least 300 people were killed in the airstrike on the theater, where a large number of civilians were hiding.

*Writing by Alperen Aktas