Surreal tour of Mariupol’s ruins ignites international outcry
A video capturing a dialogue between a Mariupol real estate agent and a Russian journalist, discussing the city’s real estate market under Russian occupation, has ignited fury among Ukrainians, underscoring the occupiers’ brutality and insensitivity and calling for international attention.
The video, posted on TikTok, showcases the Russian journalist’s report on the real estate market in the devastated Mariupol. Ukrainians are angered by the cynical discussions among Russians regarding the purchase of ruined Ukrainian apartments, referred to as “razrushka,” debating whether to invest in new buildings or acquire semi-ruined properties in the city center for potential future profits.
One Ukrainian stylist, Tetyana Kremіn, shared her thoughts on Facebook, praising the crystal-clear sincerity of the host during the surreal tour of a once beautiful but now dilapidated apartment.
The dialogue between the realtor and the journalist adds a surreal touch – walking through a collapsed space filled with domestic clutter and children’s items. The journalist expresses both laughter and indignation, questioning why the owners haven’t cleaned up the debris. The realtor, appearing more humane, explains that for some, it’s emotionally challenging.
Kremіn suggests translating such scenes into English with subtitles for a broader international audience.
In the comments on the TikTok video, Ukrainians question whether the apartment owners are still alive, recalling the numerous Mariupol residents who perished with their families. The term “razrushka” is now being translated into English as “wreckies” or “wrecks” by Ukrainians seeking to share the video with the global community.
The emotional response from Ukrainians on social media reflects the deep scars left by the war in Mariupol. The term “razrushka” itself is seen as a potential attempt to softly describe or depict the state of things that have undergone destruction or degradation. The use of such terms may serve various purposes, including expressing emotions, distancing from negative aspects, or even attempting to justify or minimize the consequences of destruction. It may arise in a socio-cultural context and reflect a certain national, historical, or political way of thinking.
Ukrainians continue to grapple with the aftermath of the war, with some expressing strong disdain for the Russians involved, emphasizing that they are not human beings but something beyond good and evil, an absolute non-life. The war’s impact on Mariupol has garnered international attention, with a Ukrainian documentary film nominated for an Oscar, shedding light on the harsh siege and destruction endured by the city’s residents.
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