A Russian documentary is attempting to rewrite the history of the devastating bombing of the drama theater in Mariupol, where hundreds of civilians lost their lives. The film claims that Ukrainian forces, rather than the Russian military, were responsible for the attack on the landmark.
The documentary heavily promotes an alternative narrative surrounding the tragic incident, which occurred during the intense siege of the port city. International investigators and human rights organizations previously concluded that a Russian airstrike targeted the building, which was clearly marked as a shelter for civilians.
Despite overwhelming evidence collected by independent monitors and journalists on the ground, the new production seeks to exonerate Moscow by amplifying witness accounts and theories that point the finger at Kyiv. This effort is part of a broader push by state-aligned media to influence public perception and counter accountability for civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict.